Tiny Varied Carpet Beetle

The varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is a 3 mm long beetle belonging to the family dermestidae they are a common species often considered a pest of domestic houses and particularly natural history museums where the larvae may damage natural fibers and can damage carpets furniture clothing and insect collections.

Tiny varied carpet beetle.

Carpet beetle is the colloquial name for dermestidae which is a family of coleoptera. Their larvae however can become pests inside homes universities and museums. The adults are 1 16 to 1 8 inch long and oval shaped. Threats varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects but also feed on upholstery and carpet so they can damage those materials.

Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics oriental carpets tapestries and wood based wall to wall carpeting. In a few weeks the tiny eggs laid by adult beetles hatch into the fabric consuming larvae. Larvae are similarly sized and have a tapered body. Food and sweat stains on fabrics can attract carpet beetles.

Vacuuming carpeting and washing your clothes and other fabrics frequently at least once every 2 or so weeks is the best way to prevent a carpet beetle infestation. Verbasci was also the first insect to be shown to have an. Adult varied carpet beetles are small 3 5 millimeters or about an eighth of an inch rounded beetles with dark colored or patterned wing covers depending on the species. These are the black carpet beetle the common carpet beetle the varied carpet beetle and the furniture carpet beetle.

Adult carpet beetles are small and often appear speckled or mottled. When carpet beetle adults are found indoors they are typically seen near windows on sills drapes or window panes. They are attracted to sunlight. They range in color from black to speckled with white brown yellow and orange.

The adult varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is about 1 10 inch long and black with an irregular pattern of white brown and dark yellow scales on its wing covers. Adult varied carpet beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. Larvae young carpet beetles are 1 8 to 1 4 inch long and. Larvae are about 1 8 to 1 4 inch long tan to brownish in color slow moving and densely covered with hairs or bristles.

The larvae appear to be hairy little worms and can be found on or near carpets clothing and in some instances dried food products. They have zig zag bands of yellow white brown and black on their wing coverings. There are about 500 to 700 species worldwide but there are only 4 that you are likely to come across. The adult beetles are small and usually black to dark brown in color but damage is actually caused during their larval stage.

Clean carpet beetle prone areas frequently.