Carpet Beetle
Scientific Name: Dermestidae (various genera and species like Anthrenus verbasci, Attagenus unicolor)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Adults typically range from 2 to 5 mm in length. Larvae can be slightly larger, up to 5-6 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, carpet beetles are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses, particularly in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing closets, attics, and around baseboards where lint and debris gather. Outdoors, adults can be found on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae primarily feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather. They also consume pet hair, lint, dead insects, and dried animal products. Adult carpet beetles typically feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetles undergo complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where food sources like lint, pet hair, and fibers accumulate. Adults are winged and can fly, often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors on flowers feeding on pollen and nectar.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include damage to natural fiber products (carpets, clothing, furniture, stored foods), and some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the larval hairs, leading to skin irritation. They are generally not a direct health threat to humans. In nature, they play a role as scavengers.
Identified on: 8/12/2025