Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus verbasci (varied) or Attagenus unicolor (black)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
- Size
- 1/8 to 3/16 inch (3 to 5 mm) in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, often near baseboards, under furniture, or in closets. Outdoors they live in bird nests and on flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, and fur, as well as dry pet food and stored grains. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larval stage is the most destructive and can last for several months to years. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or spread disease, but their larvae can cause significant damage to household fabrics and clothing. Some people may experience allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) to the prickly hairs of the larvae.