Bug Identifier
Carpet Beetle Larva
Community identification

Carpet Beetle Larva

Anthrenus verbasci (typically)

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size
4mm to 5mm (approximately 1/8 to 3/16 inch)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums, often found in carpets, upholstery, or near baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that consume protein-rich organic materials like wool, silk, fur, feathers, dead insects, hair, and pet dander.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving, bristly larvae that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo several molts before pupating into adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risk of damage to natural fiber textiles and stored goods; their bristles can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some humans. Ecosystem benefit as nature's scavengers by breaking down organic debris.