Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Genus: Anthrenus (e.g., Anthrenus verbasci for Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus (e.g., Attagenus unicolor for Black Carpet Beetle)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: 2-5 mm
Natural Habitat
Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and storage facilities, often in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and around baseboards where lint and debris accumulate. Outdoors, adults can be found on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal products, including wool, silk, leather, furs, feathers, museum specimens, taxidermy, dried meat, pet food, and dead insects. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are attracted to light and may be found on windowsills. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where food sources are plentiful. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Carpet beetles are common indoor pests. Larvae can cause significant damage to household items made of animal fibers, such as wool carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture. They can also infest food products. Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions due to contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a minor role as scavengers.
Identified on: 8/28/2025