Carpet Beetle

Scientific Name: Dermestes lardarius (Larder Beetle is a type of carpet beetle, but there are several species like Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) and Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle) that commonly infest homes. Due to the image quality, a specific species cannot be precisely identified).

Order & Family: Coleoptera (Beetles), Dermestidae (Skin Beetles)

Size: 2-5 mm (adults)

Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors: carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, museums, stored food products. Outdoors: flowerbeds (adults).

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, animal hair, leather, feathers, and stored dry goods. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas, feeding on keratin-containing materials. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fibers in homes, museums, and warehouses. Can occasionally cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to hairs shed by larvae. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition, feeding on dead animal matter.

Identified on: 8/11/2025