Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle larva)
Scientific Name: Trogoderma variabile (Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle) are common possibilities, but precise species identification from this image is difficult as it appears to be a larva.
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: Larvae: 2-5 mm. Adults: 2-5 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, warehouses, and other buildings where suitable food sources are available. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under furniture, in closets, behind baseboards, and in attics or wall voids. Outdoors, adults can be found in gardens feeding on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal-based materials, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, dead insects, museum specimens, and even some plant-based materials like grains and spices. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetle larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas, feeding on organic materials. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). The larvae are slow-moving and tend to avoid light. Adult beetles are often found near windows as they are attracted to light and feed on pollen and nectar.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include damage to textiles, carpets, clothing, furs, and other stored products of animal origin. Heavy infestations can be difficult to eradicate. There are no direct health risks to humans from bites, but some individuals may experience skin irritation from contact with larval hairs. Benefits include their role as scavengers in nature, breaking down organic materials.
Identified on: 8/10/2025