Community identification
Varied Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus verbasci
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- Typically 1.7 to 3.5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in carpets, closets, and around woolens; outdoors in bird nests and on flowers
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen
Behavior Patterns
Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae avoid light and hide in dark, undisturbed areas
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and stored fabrics; tiny hairs on larvae can cause allergic skin reactions. Benefits: In nature, they help break down dead organic matter.