Varied Carpet Beetle Larva (specifically the 'woolly bear' stage)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Beetles), Dermestidae (Skin Beetles)
Size: Larvae grow to be about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like under furniture, in closets, drawer cracks, and heating ducts. They also exist outdoors in bird nests, wasp nests, or on flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
The larvae feed on natural fibers and dead animal products (keratin), including wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, pet hair, and lint. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae avoid light and prefer dark, secluded corners. They go through multiple molts over a period of 1-3 years depending on conditions. When threatened, they may roll up or freeze.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They are a common household pest that can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing (silk/wool), upholstery, and museum specimens. Some people experience skin irritation or dermatitis (carpet beetle dermatitis) upon contact with the fuzzy larval hairs. Benefits: They act as decomposers of dead organic matter in nature.
Identified on: 2/18/2026