
Community identification
Carpet beetle larva (probable)
Anthrenus spp. or related dermestid
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- Larvae are typically 2–5 mm long when young and up to about 4–6 mm mature; the pictured specimen is too small and blurry for precise measurement.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, especially carpets, upholstery, closets, and concealed lint or pet-hair accumulations; adults may occur around windows and flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae eat keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and lint. Adults generally feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are slow-moving, often hairy, and avoid light; they may wander from a food source before pupating. Adults are small, oval beetles and commonly enter homes from outdoors.
Risks & Benefits
Larvae can damage natural-fiber clothing, carpets, and museum specimens; shed hairs may irritate sensitive skin or airways. They help decompose animal-derived organic material, while adults can pollinate flowers.