Carpet Beetle (Likely Larva or Exuvia)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle)
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Order); Dermestidae (Family)
Size: Larvae are typically 2-5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Typically found indoors in darker, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, in carpets, baseboards, or near natural fibers (wool, silk, fur).
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, leather, feathers, and dead insects. They can also feed on plant-based materials and dried food products.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae avoid light and prefer dark, secluded corners. They undergo several molts, leaving behind shed skins (exuviae) which are often what is spotted before the live inspect. The adult beetles are attracted to light and often found near windows.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens. Some people may experience allergic reactions or dermatitis (carpet beetle dermatitis) upon contact with the larval hairs. They do not bite or sting living humans. They provide a minor ecological benefit outdoors as decomposers.
Identified on: 2/20/2026