Black Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, larvae are found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, dry pet food, cereals, and wall voids. Outdoors, adults are common on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on keratins found in natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products, stored grains, and sometimes synthetic fibers if soiled with food. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae develop in wool, fur, feathers, and other animal protein materials, often in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are not destructive and feed on nectar and pollen outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber textiles, stored products, and museum collections. Benefits: Adults can be minor pollinators of certain flowers.

Identified on: 7/2/2025