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

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and under furniture; also found outdoors in nests of birds and insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dried pet food, and dead insects. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and shed their skin multiple times as they grow. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. The life cycle can take several months to a year.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to natural fibers (clothing, carpets, upholstery, museum specimens) and stored food products. They do not bite or sting humans. In nature, they play a role in decomposition, feeding on dead organic matter.

Identified on: 9/8/2025