Varied Carpet Beetle Larvae In Missouri

Varied carpet beetle larvae are scavengers.

Varied carpet beetle larvae in missouri.

They are quite common in nests of birds and spiders on dead animals and in insect collections. 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. Missouri february 20 2012 1 01 am hi we recently moved into a house and i have been finding these in my house along with larvae in the carpets. They have zig zag bands of yellow white brown and black on their wing coverings.

Threats varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects but also feed on upholstery and carpet so they can damage those materials. The larvae of carpet beetles are referred to as woolly bears. Carpet beetle adult left and larva right. Carpet beetle larvae are able to mature under a variety of humidity levels and temperatures although they tend to avoid bright areas.

In spring female carpet beetles lay 25 to 100 eggs which hatch into larvae within two weeks. They feed on a variety of animal products such as woolens carpets hides feathers horns bone and insect pupae. The eggs hatch within a 2 week time period. Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics oriental carpets tapestries and wood based wall to wall carpeting.

I think this is a varied carpet beetle location. Carpet beetles are more of a threat to your. As well as on plant products such as rye meal corn red pepper and other similar materials. Their larvae however can become pests inside homes universities and museums.

In the spring female varied carpet beetles lay approximately 25 to 100 eggs each. Then they move to the pupal stage which lasts for about 10 13 days after which they emerge as adults. The wing cover surface is patterned with brown yellow and white scales. The larva of the carpet beetle is covered in visible thick brown stripes.

Larvae young carpet beetles are 1 8 to 1 4 inch long and tan or brownish. It grows up to 5 mm in length. They are so small they are often overlooked. I m pretty sure they are the varied carpet beetle but am hoping there is a chance they are not so please identify.

They re covered with bristles and shed their skin as they grow. Depending on food sources and climate larvae may take over a year to develop into adults. The adult beetle is a rounded oval convex and about 1 8 inch long. They have an elongated body which is covered in hair or large setae.

Adult varied carpet beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. The hair is organized in a way that it forms a combination of dark and light patches.