Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas with animal products (wool, fur, feathers, leather, silk), synthetic fabrics, dried food products, and sometimes plant products.

Diet & Feeding

Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar outdoors. Larvae are destructive, feeding on natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried food products, dead insects, and pet hair/dander.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors on flowers. They undergo complete metamorphosis; the larval stage is the most damaging. They are slow-moving and tend to curl up or play dead when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, stored foods, and museum specimens. They do not bite or sting humans, but some people can develop skin irritation from larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they are detritivores, helping to break down organic matter like animal carcasses and insect remains.

Identified on: 9/25/2025