Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: 3mm to 5mm (approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch) in length.

Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically within carpets, upholstery, closets, and areas with accumulated dust or lint.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic fibers and animal products including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light, often hiding in dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo multiple molts, leaving behind characteristic translucent shed skins.

Risks & Benefits

Major household pests that can damage natural fabrics and stored materials. The bristly hairs (setae) on the larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 6/3/2026