Black Carpet Beetle

Scientific Name: Attagenus unicolor

Order & Family: Order Coleoptera, Family Dermestidae

Size: 3 to 5 mm in length

Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests, animal dens, and on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on animal products like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried plant matter. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Undergoes complete metamorphosis. Adults are often seen in spring on windowsills trying to go outside. Larvae are secretive and avoid light.

Risks & Benefits

Potential household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture. They do not bite people, but larval hairs can cause skin irritation for some.

Identified on: 6/18/2026