Carpet Beetle (Larva or Adult)

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle)

Order & Family: Coleoptera; Dermestidae

Size: 2-5 mm (Adults); Larvae can differ slightly in size but are generally small.

Carpet Beetle (Larva or Adult)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, closets, pantries, and near baseboards; outdoors in bird nests and on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and hide in dark crevices; adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery; hairs on larvae can cause skin irritation (carpet beetle dermatitis). Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of animal matter.

Identified on: 2/25/2026