
Community identification
Likely adult carpet beetle (varied carpet beetle)
Anthrenus verbasci
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- About 1.5–3.5 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Homes, especially carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, and areas containing lint, pet hair, or natural fibers. Adults are often found near windows and flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed mainly on pollen and nectar; larvae consume keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are concealed, light-avoiding scavengers and may damage fabrics; adults fly toward light and lay eggs in dusty, undisturbed areas. The image is not detailed enough for certain species-level identification.
Risks & Benefits
They are not dangerous and do not bite, but larval hairs can irritate sensitive skin and infestations can damage natural-fiber textiles. They also recycle dead organic material and may pollinate flowers as adults.