Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (Varied) or Attagenus unicolor (Black)
Order & Family: Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size: Larvae: 4-5 mm; Adults: 2-3 mm
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in carpets, closets, pantries, and near natural fibers; outdoors found on flowers
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dead insects, and pet hair; Adults feed on pollen and nectar
Behavior Patterns
Larvae tend to prefer dark, secluded areas where they can feed undisturbed. Adults are attracted to light and are often found on windowsills. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Larvae can damage clothing, carpets, and museum specimens; tiny hairs on larvae can cause dermatitis or allergic reactions in some people. Benefits: They act as decomposers in nature, breaking down dead animal matter.
Identified on: 3/2/2026