Identification
Adult Carpet beetles in Nassau County vary in their size and appearance from species to species. Normally, they range in size from 1/8th to 3/16th of an inch. They have various shades, mainly reddish brown, black and brown.
The shape of their body is oval and bears a striking resemblance to the body of a ladybug’s. Their larvae have a brown color and have a bristly surface.
Here are some common type of carpet beetles:
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Black Carpet Beetle (Attagenus unicolor)
They have a distinct glowing-black color and brown markings on their legs. Their bodies range in length from 1/8 to 3/16th of an inch. The larvae occupy hidden spots inside your home and are the only ½ of an inch in length.
They are golden to dark brown in appearance and have a flattened, elongated body, which more or less resembles a carrot. They also have a cluster of bristles at their rear end.
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Furniture Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus flavipes)
Adults of this species are 1/16 to 1/8th of an inch in length. They have an oval body shaped, and yellow, black and white scales all over their bodies. Their underbellies have a strikingly white color.
Their larvae are covered with hardened and upright brown bristles. Their body is tapered and has 3 tufts of hairs on either end.
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Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci)
Adult varied carpet beetles are 1/10th of an inch in length and have rounded bodies. Their upper body surface has a blend of gray, white, yellow and brown colors.
Their undersides are covered in long, yellow, broad scales. The larvae have a light to dark brown color and are around 1/4th of an inch in length. Their body is broader at the rear end than it is at the anterior section.