| Size: |
Carpet beetle adults are about 1/16-1/8 in (2-3.8 mm) long; larvae are up to 1/4 in (4-5 mm) long |
| Color: |
Carpet beetle adult is black; wing covers with an orange/red stripe down the middle, and variable pattern of whitish and orange/red oval scales. Larva is reddish brown, black/brown hairs. |
| Characteristics: |
Adult is oval in shape, head is more or less hidden from above; compound eyes notched around inner margin; antenna short, with compact 3-segmented club (1 segment distinctly shorter than the other 2 ); underside of abdomen with black patches of scales on each side. Larva is stout, widest at rear, hairy. |
| Geographic Range: |
Carpet beetles are found around the world, but especially in the northern U.S. |
| Food: |
Carpet beetles eat wool, hair, bristles, horn, feathers, silk, furs, insect collections; dried plants, rye flour, wheat; carpet, clothing, fabrics; pollen and nectar during mating season. |
| Biology: |
Female lays 30-60 eggs indoors on or in food material for larvae, usually in May or June. Eggs hatch in 10-20 days. Larvae take about 60-80 days to mature, in 6 stages (instars). Pupation takes place in last larval skin, lasting 1-2 weeks. Adult stays quiet in old larval skin for about 18 days, then is active for a few days' to one month's time. Outdoors 25% overwinter as larvae, 75% as adults in the old larval skins. In heated buildings adults may remain active through winter and the following spring. Development from egg to adult at room temperature is 77-110 days, but up to 2 years. |
