Bug Identifier
Varied carpet beetle (likely)
Community identification

Varied carpet beetle (likely)

Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family
Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size
About 1.5–3.5 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.