Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas where organic materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried food products are present. They can also be found outdoors in nests of birds, rodents, and insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae primarily feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and other animal products (e.g., dried meat, pet food, leather, insect collections). Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors but do not feed on household materials.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas, such as under furniture, rugs, or in closets. They are slow-moving and often curl into a C-shape when disturbed. Adults are attracted to light and may be found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and other natural fiber products. They do not bite people, but shed larval skins can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some individuals. They are considered pests indoors. Outdoors, they play a role in decomposition, feeding on dead animal matter and pollen.

Identified on: 9/5/2025