Carpet Beetle (likely Varied or Black Carpet Beetle)

Scientific Name: Likely Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle), given the common presence indoors and the appearance (though blurry).

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae

Size: Adults typically 2-5 mm (0.08-0.2 inches) in length. Larvae can be slightly larger, up to 10 mm (0.4 inches).

Carpet Beetle (likely Varied or Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors (larvae): Carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, blankets, taxidermy, museum specimens, air ducts, attics, and around baseboards where lint and hair accumulate. Often found in undisturbed areas. Outdoors (adults): Gardens, on flowers, and in bird or insect nests.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae: Natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, and stored food products like dry pet food, cereals, and spices. They are scavengers. Adults: Pollen and nectar from outdoor plants.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetles are known for their larvae which feed on natural fibers. Adults are typically found outdoors and are attracted to light, thus can fly inside homes. The larvae avoid light and hide in dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: - Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, including clothing, carpets, and furniture. - May contaminate stored food products. - Some people may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) to bristles shed by the larvae. Benefits: - Adults can act as pollinators when feeding on flower nectar. - In nature, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on dead animal matter or dried plant material.