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

Natural Habitat

Indoors, typically found in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, under furniture, or in drawers where they feed on natural fibers. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds and insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, and dried animal products. They can also infest dried plant products, cereals, and pet food. Adult beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the destructive stage, causing damage to textiles and other natural materials. Larvae are slow-moving and tend to avoid light. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. Their life cycle can range from several months to a year, depending on environmental conditions and food availability. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to household goods, clothing, and museum specimens made of natural fibers. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits are negligible in a household setting, but in nature, dermestid beetles play a role as decomposers, feeding on dead organic matter.

Identified on: 9/8/2025