Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Genus: Anthrenus (e.g., A. verbasci for Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus (e.g., A. unicolor for Black Carpet Beetle)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Adults: 2-5 mm (0.08-0.2 inches); Larvae: up to 5 mm (0.2 inches)
Natural Habitat
Indoors: Carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, blankets, stored foods, attics, wall voids, areas where lint and pet hair accumulate. Outdoors: Bird nests, animal nests, spiderwebs, flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried animal products (e.g., dead insects, pet food, leather, museum specimens). Adults primarily feed on nectar and pollen outdoors.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetle larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are known to roll into a 'C' shape when disturbed. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Considered a household pest due to larval damage to textiles and other organic materials. Can cause economic loss by damaging clothing, furniture, and museum collections. Some people may experience skin irritation from their bristly hairs (dermestitis). Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter.
Identified on: 8/18/2025