
Community identification
Carpet Beetle Larva
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.