Carpet Beetle Larva
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (commonly Varied Carpet Beetle)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: 2 to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, drawers, under furniture, in carpets, and near natural fibers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, leather, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae (often called 'woolly bears') are slow-moving and avoid light. They go through several molts before pupating. Adults are attracted to light and feed on pollen.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens. Some people may experience allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) from the bristly hairs of the larvae. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose dead animal matter.
Identified on: 3/6/2026