Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Varied Carpet Beetle: *Anthrenus verbasci*, Black Carpet Beetle: *Attagenus unicolor* (Identification based on image is difficult to confirm species without clearer detail)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Typically 2-5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and storage areas, particularly in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, and stored food items. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials including wool, silk, animal skins, feathers, pet hair, dried food products, and even dead insects. Adult beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetles are known for their destructive feeding habits on natural fibers. Adults are attracted to light and can be found near windows. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo complete metamorphosis with larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females lay eggs in secluded places with suitable food sources.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to household goods, clothing, and museum artifacts made of natural fibers. They do not bite or transmit diseases but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter. They are sometimes used in forensics to estimate post-mortem interval.
Identified on: 8/27/2025