Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size: Adults are approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1.7 to 3.5 mm) long.
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide, typically indoors in carpets, closets, museums, and storage areas containing natural fibers. Outdoors, they are found on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. The larvae are photosensitive and prefer dark, secluded places like the edges of carpets or under furniture. They have a complete metamorphosis life cycle.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing (wool/silk), upholstered furniture, and museum specimens. Some people experience allergic dermatitis from larval hairs. Benefits: In the wild, they help decompose dead organic matter.
Identified on: 2/23/2026