Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Order), Dermestidae (Family)
Size: Is very small, typically 1.7 to 3.5 millimeters in length.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in homes, especially in carpets, closets, and around baseboards. Outdoors, they inhabit bird nests and feed on pollen on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on pollen and nectar. The larvae (which cause the damage) consume natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They have a complete metamorphosis life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Larvae are a common household pest that damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery made from natural fibers. The hairs on the larvae can cause mild skin irritation or dermatitis in some individuals. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers by breaking down animal remains.
Identified on: 2/22/2026