
Community identification
Carpet beetle (likely varied carpet beetle)
Anthrenus verbasci
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- About 2–3.5 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Indoors near windows, carpets, stored fabrics, and other sources of natural fibers; adults also occur outdoors on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed mainly on pollen and nectar; larvae eat wool, feathers, fur, dead insects, and other animal-based materials.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are small, oval beetles; larvae are bristly and may damage stored fabrics. Larvae develop indoors, while adults often appear at windows in spring or summer.
Risks & Benefits
Larvae can damage clothing and textiles, and their hairs may irritate skin. They do not bite or transmit disease; adults help pollinate flowers.