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

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in homes, museums, and warehouses. Prefers dark, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, behind baseboards, and in attics. Can also be found around nests of birds, rodents, or insects outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials of animal origin, including wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, museum specimens, taxidermy, dead insects, pet food, and sometimes pantry items like cereals and dried pasta. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and may roll into a ball when disturbed. Adults are attracted to light and may be found near windows, but they typically live outdoors feeding on pollen, or indoors near larval feeding sites for mating. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a household pest due to larvae damaging natural fibers (carpets, clothing, furniture) and stored products. Can cause allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals (dermatitis from larval hairs). Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition, consuming animal remains and detritus. However, their presence indoors is almost always considered an infestation.

Identified on: 9/11/2025