Carpet Beetle Larva (Anthrenus)

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, museums, and storage areas, outdoors in bird nests, animal carcasses, and dried plant matter.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried animal remains, and sometimes dried plant products. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where food sources are present. They are slow-moving and often appear hairy or bristly. They prefer to feed on natural fibers. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows during spring and summer months, as they feed on pollen and nectar.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, carpets, clothing, museum specimens, and other household goods made of animal products. They do not bite or sting humans and are not known to transmit diseases. Benefits are minimal in a human context, but in nature, they play a role in decomposition by consuming animal remains.

Identified on: 9/7/2025