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

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with undisturbed natural fibers, pet dander, food debris, or dead insects. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds, rodents, or insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of organic materials of animal origin, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, dried meats, museum specimens, taxidermy, and dead insects. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar outdoors but can consume similar food sources indoors.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and tend to roll up and play dead when disturbed. Adults are winged and can fly, often attracted to light and flowers outdoors. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber products like carpets, clothing, upholstery, and stored foods. May trigger allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals due to shed larval skins and frass. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition, breaking down animal carcasses and organic matter.

Identified on: 9/9/2025