Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (typically)

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: 3mm to 7mm in length

Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, found in dark areas like floor cracks, closets, under furniture, or within stored carpets and clothing.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials, including wool, silk, feathers, fur, hair, dead insects, and dried animal matter.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light. They undergo several molts, leaving behind thin, translucent skins that are often a key sign of infestation.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major household pest that can damage natural fabrics and storage materials. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) from contact with the larva's barbed hairs. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose animal remains.

Identified on: 12/30/2025