Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: There are several species, common ones include Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle), Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle), Trogoderma variabile (Warehouse Beetle). Without more detail, precise species identification is difficult.

Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae

Size: Larvae typically range from 2mm to 5mm (.08 to .2 inches) in length.

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, museums, warehouses, and other buildings, particularly in quiet, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, pantries, and attics. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests or animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly keratin-based materials like wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, and also dried animal products, stored grains, and sometimes synthetic fabrics stained with food.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae develop in dry, decaying organic matter. Larval stage can last several months to over a year, depending on conditions. Adults are typically short-lived (a few weeks). They are often found in areas with stored food products or natural fibers.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens made of natural fibers. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role in decomposition of organic matter.