Carpet Beetle (Larvae/Bristles)

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (typically)

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: 1mm to 4mm (larvae)

Carpet Beetle (Larvae/Bristles)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, baseboards, and bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on animal by-products such as wool, silk, leather, fur, hair, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They shed prickly skins (exuviae) as they grow, which often accumulate in corners.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite but can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis' (allergic skin reactions) due to their prickly hairs. They are common household pests that damage fabrics and natural fibers.

Identified on: 5/23/2026