Varied Carpet Beetle Larvae

Threats varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects but also feed on upholstery and carpet so they can damage those materials.

Varied carpet beetle larvae.

In spring female carpet beetles lay 25 to 100 eggs which hatch into larvae within two weeks. Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen but larvae will eat a wide variety of organic items in the home. They are shiny black and dark brown with brownish legs. The varied carpet beetle is a 3 mm long beetle belonging to the family dermestidae.

Adults and larvae of the black carpet beetle attagenus unicolor are distinctly different from the carpet beetles described above. Pupation for the beetles lasts around one to two weeks and then adults live for an average of two months. They feed on a variety of animal products such as woolens carpets hides feathers horns bone and insect pupae. As well as on plant products such as rye meal corn red pepper and other similar materials.

They are quite common in nests of birds and spiders on dead animals and in insect collections. Adult black carpet beetles range from 1 8 to 3 16 inch long. Depending on food sources and climate larvae may take over a year to develop into adults. Varied carpet beetle larvae are scavengers.

Carpet beetle larvae are able to mature under a variety of humidity levels and temperatures although they tend to avoid bright areas. Both adult carpet beetles and larvae can infest your home but the larvae do the most damage by eating organic materials like wool leather and silk. Larvae are similarly sized and have a tapered body. Identification 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.

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. Verbasci was also the first insect to be shown to have an annual behavioral rhythm and to date remains a classic example of circannual cycles in animals. Dear concerned evelyn this is a varied carpet beetle a common household pest and your letter is the third we opened today for a varied carpet beetle identification so we are posting your letter to assist folks visiting our site who are also troubled by carpet beetles. Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics oriental carpets tapestries and wood based wall to wall carpeting.

They re covered with bristles and. They range in color from black to speckled with white brown yellow and orange. Full sized larvae can be as long as 5 16 inch and range from light brown to almost black.