Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size: 1.7 to 3.5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Typically found indoors in homes, museums, and storage areas; outdoors in bird nests, wasp nests, or on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae tend to wander in search of food and prefer dark, secluded places like closets or under furniture. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windowsills.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: The larvae are a significant household pest that damages carpets, clothing, and textiles. The hairs on larvae can cause dermatitis in some humans. Benefit: In nature, they act as decomposers of dead animal matter.
Identified on: 2/25/2026