Carpet Beetle (Larval Molt/Skin or Pupa)
Anthrenus verbasci (typically Varied Carpet Beetle)
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- 2-5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, in carpets, or stored woolens. Outdoors they live on flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects. Adults feed on flower pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae are elusive and prefer dark areas. As they grow, they shed their skins multiple times, leaving behind brownish, translucent husks (like the one pictured, which appears to be a shed skin or pupal casing).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery made of natural fibers. They do not bite, but their bristly hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: Scavengers that break down decaying biological matter in nature.