Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family: Coleoptera: Dermestidae

Size: 1 mm to 5 mm in length

Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and baseboards; outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, feathers, fur, and hair, as well as dried food items and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light. They undergo several molts, leaving behind empty cast skins. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows.

Risks & Benefits

No health risk to humans, but can cause significant damage to household fabrics and textiles. Some people may experience an allergic reaction (dermatitis) to the larval hairs.

Identified on: 6/6/2026