Carpet Beetle Larva (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (larval stage)
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Beetles), Dermestidae (Skin Beetles)
Size: Typically 4-5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors, typically in dark, secluded areas such as under furniture, in closets, along baseboards, and within carpets or upholstery.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on natural fibers and organic materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, pet dander, and dried plant products.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae move slowly and tend to avoid light. When disturbed, they may curl up or play dead. They are the destructive stage of the life cycle, unlike the adults which feed on pollen.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery made from natural fibers. The larvae possess bristly hairs that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. They do not bite or spread disease.
Identified on: 3/2/2026