Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle)

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae

Size: 3mm to 5mm (approximately 1/8 to 3/16 inch)

Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and air ducts where organic debris accumulates.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on dry animal products including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, pet food, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and are slow-moving. They undergo a complete metamorphosis with the larval stage lasting several months to over a year depending on food and temperature.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include significant damage to household textiles and clothing. Their bristly hairs (hastisetae) can cause skin irritation or 'carpet beetle dermatitis' in some individuals, often mistaken for bed bug bites.

Identified on: 3/8/2026