Varied Carpet Beetle Larvae Identification

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.

Varied carpet beetle larvae identification.

Common carpet beetles have larvae that is a red brown color and covered in dark hair. The larvae of varied carpet beetles have light and dark stripes on their bodies and are covered with dark hairs. In older adults the scales that form this pattern wear off so the beetles appear solid brown or black. The duration of the larval stage also depends on the type of carpet beetle species and temperature.

To know where to focus the brunt of your cleaning first look for the primary source of the infestation which will be the area with the most signs of damage and beetles. Common carpet beetle larvae take between two and three months to reach pupation varied carpet beetle larvae may need up to two years and black carpet beetle larvae develop in the larval stage for six months to just under a year. Adult varied carpet beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. Black carpet beetle larvae are smooth with no hair and are either brown or black.

They have zig zag bands of yellow white brown and black on their wing coverings. Their larvae however can become pests inside homes universities and museums. They are so small they are often overlooked.