Carpet Beetle Larva
Scientific Name: Most likely species within genera such as Anthrenus, Trogoderma, or Attagenus (e.g., Anthrenus verbasci, Trogoderma variabile, Attagenus unicolor)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Typically 2-5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, carpet beetle larvae are commonly found in homes, museums, warehouses, and other buildings. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under furniture, in cracks and crevices, attics, and storage areas.
Diet & Feeding
Carpet beetle larvae are scavengers, feeding on a wide range of animal products and natural fibers. This includes wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet hair, dead insects, museum specimens, and even some processed foods.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetle larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where their food sources are abundant. They are often found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, and museum collections. They are slow-moving and tend to curl up when disturbed. The larval stage is the damaging stage, as adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include significant damage to natural fibers, textiles, museum artifacts, and stored products. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases, but some people might experience mild skin irritation from contact with their bristles. They have very limited, if any, benefits to humans or ecosystems in an indoor setting; outdoors, they can play a minor role in decomposition.
Identified on: 8/25/2025