Carpet beetle larva (likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Genus Anthrenus or Attagenus (e.g., Anthrenus verbasci, Attagenus unicolor)
Order & Family: Order Coleoptera, Family Dermestidae
Size: Larvae typically measure 2-5 mm (0.08 to 0.2 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and around baseboards. They may also be found in animal nests and other natural settings.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather), dried animal products (dead insects, pet food, taxidermy), and sometimes plant-based materials like grains and spices.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae are the destructive stage, feeding and growing for several months. They avoid light and hide in crevices. They often appear fuzzy or hairy due to bristles on their bodies. Adults are small, oval-shaped beetles that feed on pollen and nectar outdoors but lay eggs indoors on suitable food sources.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include significant damage to household items, textiles, and museum collections. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans but can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals from their bristles. They can be beneficial in nature by breaking down organic matter, but their presence indoors is generally a pest issue.
Identified on: 9/19/2025