Carpet Beetle Larva (likely varied, common, or black carpet beetle)
Scientific Name: Dermestes ater (Black Carpet Beetle), Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle), Anthrenus scrophulariae (Common Carpet Beetle), or similar species within Dermestidae
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: 1-5 mm. The larva shown appears to be very small, likely in the lower end of this range.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, attics, and storage areas. They feed on natural fibers.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin and chitin-containing materials. This includes natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, animal hides, dried animal products, stored foods (especially those of animal origin), dead insects, and sometimes plant-based materials.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are the damaging stage, actively feeding and growing, often avoiding light. They typically undergo several larval instars, molting as they grow, and the shed skins can often be found near feeding sites. Adults are winged and can fly, often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors feeding on nectar and pollen.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include significant damage to natural fiber textiles, carpets, clothing, and museum specimens. They are considered household and museum pests. They do not bite or sting humans and are not known to transmit diseases. A minor benefit in nature is their role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter.
Identified on: 10/22/2025