Insect identification > Coleoptera > True Coleoptera > Carpet beetle

Carpet beetle

The carpet beetle (Anthrenus scrophulariae L.). - This is one of several related household pests which attack woolen goods, carpets, feathers, furs, hair, silk, leather and other animal and sometimes plant products. This and the black carpet beetle (Attagenus piceous Oliv.) are European insects.

The carpet beetle is a tiny beetle, mottled black and white, with a red line having side branches along the middle of the back. Its eggs are laid on the material upon which the larvae feed.

Adults are often noticed on house windows along with lady beetles and in the early summer they feed on the pollen of flowers, the Spiraea being a favorite.

The length of life of a generation probably varies according to the temperature and abundance of food. One generation may possibly be completed in less than a year in the South, but under unfavorable conditions it may take more than twice that time. The larva is rather spindle-shaped and quite hairy.