Bug Identifier
Carpet Beetle (Varied Carpet Beetle)
Community identification

Carpet Beetle (Varied Carpet Beetle)

Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family
Coleoptera: Dermestidae
Size
2mm to 4mm (adults); larvae are similar in length but appear fuzzy.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Adults eat pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, hair, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found on windowsills. Larvae are scavengers and prefer dark, secluded areas like closets or under baseboards.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or transmit disease, but larvae can cause significant damage to household fabrics. Some people may experience allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) to larval hairs.