
Community identification
Varied carpet beetle (likely)
Anthrenus verbasci
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- About 1.5–3.5 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Homes, museums, warehouses, and bird or rodent nests; adults often occur on flowers and window sills.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae consume keratin-rich animal material, including wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and natural-fiber textiles. Adults mainly feed on pollen and nectar or may eat little.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are hairy, light-avoiding scavengers and can remain hidden for months or years before pupating. Adults are attracted to light and reproduce indoors or near suitable nesting material.
Risks & Benefits
Larvae can damage clothing, carpets, taxidermy, and stored natural materials; their hairs may irritate skin or airways. They recycle organic debris and are harmless to people, pets, and buildings.