
Community identification
Carpet Beetle Larva
Anthrenus verbasci (general family Dermestidae)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
- Size
- 4mm to 5mm long
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and baseboards; outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Slow-moving, bristly larvae that avoid light. They undergo complete metamorphosis, often spending months in the larval stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Major household pest that damages textiles. The larval hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis' (allergic skin reactions). Benefit: In nature, they help decompose organic animal matter.