Carpet beetle larva (possibly varied carpet beetle or black carpet beetle)
Scientific Name: Possibly 'Anthrenus verbasci' (varied carpet beetle) or 'Attagenus unicolor' (black carpet beetle), exact species difficult to determine from image alone.
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Larvae typically 2-5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and storage areas. They feed on natural fibers found in carpets, woolens, furs, taxidermy, stored food products, and insect collections.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-rich materials (like wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products, stored grains and food items, dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are the damaging stage, often seen crawling slowly. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are winged and typically feed on pollen and nectar outdoors, but lay eggs indoors. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers (carpets, clothing, upholstery), museum specimens, and stored foods. They do not bite humans but larval hairs can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Benefits: In nature, they are detritivores, breaking down organic matter. Minimal benefits in a domestic setting.
Identified on: 11/27/2025