Varied carpet beetle identification (Anthrenus verbasci)


Insect identifier · Indoor insects

How to identify a Varied carpet beetle

Anthrenus verbasci
· Also called carpet beetle larva, woolly bear larva, dermestid

Varied carpet beetle identification photo

People searching “what does a varied carpet beetle look like” or “varied carpet beetle bite” want a field ID, not a scare. Varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) is a indoor pests in this guide. Also called carpet beetle larva, woolly bear larva, dermestid.

Itchy welts plus tiny fuzzy worms in the sweater drawer are carpet beetles, not bed bugs.

What does a varied carpet beetle look like?

Varied carpet beetle is Adults 2–3 mm; larvae small and fuzzy. Colors people notice: brown, black, white. Field marks: Larva is a tiny fuzzy carrot; Adult is a mottled round beetle; Closets, wool, and windowsills.

Varied carpet beetle is Adults 2–3 mm; larvae small and fuzzy. Colors people notice: brown, black, white. Field marks: Larva is a tiny fuzzy carrot; Adult is a mottled round beetle; Closets, wool, and windowsills. If the marks fail, open the look-alike pages before forcing this name.

Identification marks

  • Larva is a tiny fuzzy carrot
  • Adult is a mottled round beetle
  • Closets, wool, and windowsills

Size: Adults 2–3 mm; larvae small and fuzzy
Colors: brown, black, white
Where: indoor

What a typical varied carpet beetle bite looks like

Typical varied carpet beetle bite or sting
A typical pattern. Reactions vary. This is a guide photo, not a diagnosis.

Itchy rash or small welts from larval hairs, often on the trunk, not a breakfast-lunch-dinner line. Wash clothes and bedding hot Vacuum closets

Itchy rash or small welts from larval hairs, often on the trunk, not a breakfast-lunch-dinner line. Fever, spreading redness, or trouble breathing needs a clinician.

If you were bitten

  1. Wash clothes and bedding hot
  2. Vacuum closets
  3. Itch relief on intact skin

Varied carpet beetle vs Bed bug

Fuzzy larva in a closet = carpet beetle. Flat insect in a mattress seam = bed bug.

Range and season

Varied carpet beetle is active year-round indoors. Typical places: house, closet. Adults are tiny round beetles. Larvae are fuzzy and can cause an itchy rash where they contact skin. Not bed bugs.

Closets and windowsills in any home.

Adults are tiny round beetles. Larvae are fuzzy and can cause an itchy rash where they contact skin. Not bed bugs.

Year-round indoors

Common questions

Carpet beetle vs bed bug?

Carpet beetle larvae are fuzzy and cause a contact rash. Bed bugs are flat, hide in seams, and bite in a line.

Do carpet beetles bite?

Larval hairs irritate skin. They do not bite like a bed bug.

Related identification pages