Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, larvae can be found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored foods, and museum collections. Outdoors, they are found in nests of birds and mammals, and in dead animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal-based products, including wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, museum specimens, dried meats, and cereals. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active, winged insects that are often found on flowers or attracted to lights at night. Females lay eggs on suitable food sources. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where organic matter accumulates. The larvae of many species are negatively phototaxic, meaning they avoid light.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Carpet beetles are significant household and museum pests. Their feeding habits on natural fibers can cause considerable damage to clothing, carpets, and stored products. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, consuming decaying organic matter.

Identified on: 8/23/2025