Carpet beetle larva (likely varied carpet beetle)
Anthrenus verbasci
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- Larvae reach about 3–5 mm; adults are approximately 2–3.5 mm long. The pictured insect appears to be a small adult or larva, though the image is not detailed enough for certainty.
Natural Habitat
Indoors in carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, stored textiles, and dead-insect accumulations; adults often occur near windows and flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae consume keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, and silk, plus dried plant or insect remains. Adults mainly feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae hide in dark, undisturbed areas and molt repeatedly, leaving shed hairs and skins; adults may fly toward light. Development can take several months to over a year indoors.
Risks & Benefits
They can damage natural-fiber textiles and occasionally cause itchy dermatitis from larval hairs. They recycle animal and plant debris outdoors, while indoor infestations are controlled through vacuuming, laundering, and removal of infested materials.