Carpet Beetle Larva
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
Size: 3mm to 5mm in length

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.
Identified on: 3/24/2026