Varied Carpet Beetle
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: 2 mm to 3 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in gardens on pollen-producing plants.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae eat natural fibers, dried protein, and animal products (wool, silk, hair, feathers); adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Diurnal adults seek light and plants; larvae are scavengers that move slowly and shy away from light, often infesting stored goods.
Risks & Benefits
A major pest to carpets, clothing, and museum specimens; larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some humans.
Identified on: 12/31/2025