Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Likely 'Anthrenus verbasci' (Varied Carpet Beetle) or 'Attagenus unicolor' (Black Carpet Beetle)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Adults typically 2-5 mm, larvae up to 5-6 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, larvae are found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, storage areas, and areas where pet hair or lint accumulates. Outdoors, adults are found on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a variety of animal-based materials, including natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, leather), pet hair, dead insects, museum specimens, and food products (dried meat, pet food). Adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetle larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are negatively phototactic and tend to avoid light. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, museum collections, and stored food products. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: In nature, they are detritivores, helping to break down organic matter.
Identified on: 8/22/2025