Carpet Beetle Larva
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (most common species, Varied Carpet Beetle)
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Order), Dermestidae (Family)
Size: Typically 2 to 5 millimeters in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, in carpets, and near natural fibers; outdoors they inhabit bird nests and flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, leather, and pet hair; adults feed on flower pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and seek out dark crevices to feed; adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows in spring.
Risks & Benefits
They are a household pest that can damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery made from natural fibers; the bristly hairs on the larvae can cause an allergic skin reaction (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people.
Identified on: 3/2/2026