Carpet Beetle Larva (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (larva)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera (Beetles), Family: Dermestidae (Skin Beetles)
Size: Typically 4 to 5 mm (around 1/8 to 3/16 inch) in length.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in homes, specifically near natural fibers. They hide in carpets, under furniture, in closets, and in dark, undisturbed areas where dust and lint accumulate.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on natural animal fibers and organic debris. This includes wool, silk, fur, felt, feathers, leather, pet hair, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae (often called 'woolly bears') are slow-moving and tend to avoid light. They molt several times, leaving behind empty shed skins that look similar to the live larvae. This larval stage can last from a few months to over a year before pupating into an adult beetle.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Major household pest that damages clothing, carpets, and upholstery made from natural fibers. The bristly hairs on the larvae can cause an allergic skin reaction (dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of dead animal matter, but inside homes, they offer no significant benefit.
Identified on: 3/8/2026