Black Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: Attagenus unicolor

Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae

Size: 3.5 mm to 8 mm in length

Black Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in dark, secluded areas such as under baseboards, in closets, air ducts, or behind furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on organic materials including animal proteins, wool, silk, feathers, hair, dried pet food, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the destructive phase; they move slowly, are light-avoidant, and undergo several molts leaving behind shed skins.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risk of damage to household items like carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Their bristly hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some humans.

Identified on: 5/29/2026