
Community identification
Carpet beetle larva (likely)
Anthrenus spp.
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- Larvae are typically 2–5 mm long; adults are about 2–4 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors on carpets, upholstery, clothing, and other fabric or animal-based materials; adults often occur near flowers and windows.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae eat keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects. Adults mainly feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are slow-moving, hairy, and may wander onto walls or floors while seeking food or pupation sites; adults are small, oval, and often mottled. They can persist indoors when lint, pet hair, or carcasses accumulate.
Risks & Benefits
Larvae can damage natural-fiber textiles and occasionally cause skin irritation from their hairs. They are decomposers outdoors, recycling animal remains and other organic material.