Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, warehouses. Prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under furniture, in cracks, carpets, and closets. Larvae feed on natural fibers.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors but do little feeding indoors. Larvae are the destructive stage, feeding on a wide variety of natural materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dead insects, animal carcasses, stored food products, and even pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are light-avoiding and tend to feed in hidden areas. They undergo several molts, and shed skins can be found. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They can fly and infest new areas. Life cycle from egg to adult can take several months to a year depending on conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Significant household and museum pests. Larvae can cause considerable damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, taxidermy, and other items made of natural fibers, leading to economic loss. They do not bite people but can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) for some individuals due to contact with their bristles. Potential Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role as decomposers by breaking down organic matter like animal carcasses.

Identified on: 9/10/2025