Bug Identifier
Carpet Beetle Larva
Community identification

Carpet Beetle Larva

Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
Size
3mm to 5mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and bird nests; outdoors in pollen-rich environments.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, silk, feathers, fur, dead insects, and dried pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving and often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Larvae undergo several molts before pupating into adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include damage to household textiles and clothing. Larval hairs can cause skin irritation or 'carpet beetle dermatitis' in sensitive individuals. They serve as natural decomposers in the wild.