Carpet Beetle (specifically resembles the Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Is typically very small, ranging from 1.7 to 3.5 mm in length. The larvae are slightly larger, often 4-5 mm.
Natural Habitat
Typically found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses. They thrive in dark, undisturbed areas like under carpets, inside closets, in air vents, or near baseboards where lint hair accumulates.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors. The larvae are the household pests, feeding on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, pet dander, and dried plant products.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are attracted to light and often found near windowsills. Larvae avoid light and are active eaters, often causing damage to fabrics or carpets in hidden spots. They undergo a complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or spread disease to humans. However, the larvae have bristly hairs that can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Their primary risk is significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens.
Identified on: 2/24/2026