Bug Identifier
Carpet Beetle Larva
Community identification

Carpet Beetle Larva

Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family
Coleoptera: Dermestidae
Size
4 mm to 5 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums; often found under baseboards, in carpets, or within stored products.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on dry animal products including wool, fur, silk, feathers, leather, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and can remain in the larval stage for months to years depending on food availability; they are slow-moving and covered in defensive hairs.

Risks & Benefits

They are major household pests that cause damage to fabrics and stored goods; their shed hairs can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals.