
Carpet Beetle (Larva)
Anthrenus verbasci
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
- Size
- 1mm to 4mm (larval stage)
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in homes, specifically in carpets, upholstery, closets, and air ducts where organic debris accumulates.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair, as well as dried food products and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae prefer dark, quiet areas and are known for their slow movement. They go through several molts, leaving behind translucent brown skins that are often the first sign of an infestation.
Risks & Benefits
They are a significant pest that can damage household fabrics and stored goods. Their bristly hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic reaction or skin irritation in sensitive individuals. They provide a minor ecosystem benefit as decomposers of organic matter in the wild.