Bug Identifier
Varied Carpet Beetle
Community identification

Varied Carpet Beetle

Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family
Order Coleoptera; Family Dermestidae
Size
2 mm to 4 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, woolens, and organic debris; outdoors they live on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, and hair; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae are slow-moving and prefer dark, undisturbed areas where they can feed on organic materials.

Risks & Benefits

A major household pest that can damage textiles and stored organic products; larvae hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.