Varied Carpet Beetle Cast Skin

Adults are much smaller than the black carpet.

Varied carpet beetle cast skin.

Varied carpet beetles how to get rid of varied carpet beetles actual size 1 8 inch 5mm the varied carpet beetle is widely distributed in the united states. Carpet beetles can be sustained on even small amounts of food. Carpet beetles which belong to the family of beetles known as dermestids are pests in warehouses homes museums and other locations where suitable food exists. There are approximately 500 to 700 species worldwide.

As noted earlier carpet beetle larvae feed on animal based materials especially wool felt fur silk feathers and leather. Carpet beetle larvae molt or shed their skins several times as they grow. The larva is tear drop shaped and is covered with rows of light brown hairs. They can range in size from 1 to 12 mm.

When carpet beetle larvae feed on furs animal mounts or bristle brushes they clip the hairs off at the base leaving a bald spot but not damaging the hide beneath. Shed larval skins in hidden areas. Varied carpet beetle final instar larval cast skin left and adults center and right. 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.

Dermestidae are a family of coleoptera that are commonly referred to as skin beetles. A typical larva top and shed skin bottom. The varied carpet beetle adult is small 2 3 mm oval to round with splotches of white and yellow appearing to have a gray calico pattern. Key characteristics for adults are round oval shaped bodies.

Other common names include larder beetle hide or leather beetles carpet beetles and khapra beetles. Two main types of carpet beetles found in nebraska are the varied carpet beetle and black carpet beetle. Vacuum regularly and thoroughly to avoid build up of hair and skin flakes from people and pets. Larvae young carpet beetles are 1 8 to 1 4 inch long and.

The varied carpet beetle larva is primarily a scavenger. Cast skins may be found in great abundance and serve as a sign for a current or past infestation. The adults are 1 16 to 1 8 inch long and oval shaped. Larvae undergo many molts where they shed their exoskeleton to progress to a larger more mature larval stage before pupating into an adult.

Feeding damage caused by carpet beetles.