Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors: Carpets, rugs, clothing, upholstery, taxidermy, stored food products. Outdoors: In nests of birds and rodents, or feeding on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried animal products. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are nocturnal and can fly. Larvae prefer undisturbed, dark areas with food sources. They are known for 'playing dead' when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major pest of stored products, textiles, and museum collections, causing damage to valuable items. They do not bite or sting humans. Benefits: As scavengers, they can help break down organic matter in nature.

Identified on: 8/29/2025