Varied Carpet Beetle

Anthrenus verbasci, known as the varied carpet beetle, belongs to the family Dermestidae, order Coleoptera. Adults are small, oval-shaped beetles, 2-3 mm in length, characterized by an irregular pattern of white, yellowish, and brownish scales on their black elytra, giving them a mottled appearance. Larvae, often referred to as 'woolly bears,' are distinctively segmented, covered with dense, short, brown hairs, and possess three pairs of tufts of longer bristles (hastisetae) at the posterior end. They reach approximately 4-5 mm in length. Eggs are minute, white, and laid in sheltered locations. The life cycle typically spans 9-12 months, but can extend up to several years under suboptimal conditions, with 5-16 larval instars.

Varied carpet beetle larvae are generalist scavengers, feeding on a diverse range of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, feathers, dried insects, stored food products, and even pollen. Adults are strong fliers and are commonly observed outdoors feeding on the pollen and nectar of various flowers. After mating, females enter structures to lay eggs in proximity to suitable larval food sources. Larvae are negatively phototactic, avoiding light, and prefer secluded, undisturbed areas. Their cast skins are often indicative of an infestation. Dispersal occurs through movement of infested items or adult flight.