Carpet Beetle Larva
Scientific Name: Dermestes spp., Anthrenus spp., Trogoderma spp. (Specific species cannot be determined definitively from the image)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Larvae range from 1 mm to 5 mm in length, depending on the species and developmental stage.
Natural Habitat
Indoors: Carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, blankets, taxidermy, stored food pantries, cracks and crevices where lint and pet hair accumulate. Outdoors: Adult beetles are often found on flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae primarily feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and keratin-containing materials (e.g., dead insects, pet hair, dried animal products). They can also consume stored food products like cereals and dried pasta.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetle larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where their food sources are present. They are sensitive to light and will often try to hide. The larvae are the destructive stage, feeding on various organic materials. Adults are typically found outdoors and feed on pollen and nectar, but can be found indoors if emerging from an indoor larval infestation.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Carpet beetle larvae are significant household pests due to their destructive feeding habits on textiles and stored products, leading to damage to clothing, furniture, and food contamination. They can cause allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals due to shed skins and hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by consuming animal remains and natural fibers.
Identified on: 7/5/2025