Carpet beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, behind baseboards, and in stored natural fiber products.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, animal carcasses, dried pet food, and sometimes spices and grains. Adult beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Adult carpet beetles are often attracted to light and may be seen near windows. Larvae avoid light and are the destructive stage, feeding on various organic materials. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Larval development can take several months to a year depending on food availability and environmental conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, furs, and other natural fiber products. They do not bite humans but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to their shed hairs. They can also contaminate food products. Benefits are generally minimal in human environments, though some species play a role in decomposition in natural ecosystems.

Identified on: 9/9/2025