Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: 1 to 5 mm in length

Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums; often found in carpets, upholstery, or near baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, dead insects, hair, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are avoidant of light and prefer dark, secluded areas. They go through several molts before pupating and emerging as adults.

Risks & Benefits

Common household pests that can cause significant damage to fabrics and textiles. Some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation (carpet beetle dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs.

Identified on: 5/21/2026