Carpet beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas where food sources like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried food are present. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal and plant products, including natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, leather), dried meats, pet food, cereals, and even dead insects. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Adult carpet beetles are often seen flying or crawling near windows. They lay eggs on suitable larval food sources. Larvae are slow-moving and tend to avoid light. They undergo several molts before pupating. The larval stage is responsible for most of the damage to household goods.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a household pest due to larvae damaging natural fibers, stored foods, and museum specimens. Can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some individuals from larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers, breaking down organic matter. They are also used in forensic entomology to estimate post-mortem interval.

Identified on: 11/16/2025