Dermestid Beetle (likely a Carpet Beetle or Larder Beetle)
Scientific Name: Various species; common examples include Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle), Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle), Dermestes lardarius (Larder Beetle). Exact species cannot be determined from the image.
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
Size: Adults typically range from 2 mm to 12 mm depending on the species. The larva for carpet beetles can be up to 5 mm, while larder beetle larvae can be much larger, up to 17 mm.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, museums, warehouses, and other spaces where animal products or stored foods are present. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under carpets, in closets, behind furniture, and in pantries. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds and mammals, and on carrion.
Diet & Feeding
Dermestid beetles, especially larvae, are scavengers. They feed on various animal products like wool, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, and also certain plant-based materials like grains and stored food products. The specific diet depends on the species.
Behavior Patterns
Dermestid beetles often play dead when disturbed. Larvae are typically active in dark, undisturbed areas, feeding on various organic materials. Adults are usually good fliers and are attracted to light.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can be significant pests in homes (damaging carpets, clothing, furs, food, and other textiles), museums (damaging biological specimens), and food storage facilities. Some species can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to hairs shed by larvae. Benefits: Useful in forensic entomology to determine post-mortem interval; in museums for cleaning skeletons (dermestarium); and as decomposers in nature.
Identified on: 7/2/2025