Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle based on common indoor presence)
Scientific Name: Globally, there are several species, but common indoor ones include Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle) or Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle). It's difficult to specify without higher magnification.
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: Typically 2-5 mm (0.08-0.2 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoors: particularly in homes, museums, and storage facilities, anywhere animal products or fibers are present. Outdoors: in nests of birds and rodents, or feeding on flower nectar.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a variety of animal-derived products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, and dead insects. Adults feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetle larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are often found in closets, drawers, or under furniture. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of wool, fur, feathers, and other natural fibers, including carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum specimens. They do not bite humans but can cause skin irritation in some sensitive individuals due to hairs shed by the larvae. Benefits: In nature, they are detritivores, helping to break down organic matter.
Identified on: 9/2/2025