Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Dermestes lardarius (Larder Beetle), Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle), Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) - specific identification difficult from image, but highly suggests a carpet beetle or larder beetle.
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: 2-4 mm (adults)
Natural Habitat
Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, warehouses. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, and pantries.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried animal products. They can also infest stored grains and pet food.
Behavior Patterns
Typically found on fabrics, carpets, and stored food products. They are often noticed when they leave behind tiny, cylindrical fecal pellets and shed skins.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and stored food, leading to economic loss. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on dead animal matter, but this is rarely a benefit in a household setting.
Identified on: 8/11/2025