Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: 1 mm to 5 mm in length

Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments like carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, and bird nests; found globally in temperate climates.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, hair, skin cells, and dried organic materials.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are photophobic and prefer dark, secluded spaces. They undergo 6 to 12 molts and can survive for long periods without food.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Can cause significant damage to textile goods. Benefits: In the wild, they act as important scavengers that break down tough animal proteins like keratin.

Identified on: 2/3/2026