Here are descriptions and key visual features of black carpet beetles along with references to images:
Adult black carpet beetles are oval-shaped, shiny black to dark brown, and measure about 2.8 to 5 mm (approximately 1/8 to 3/16 inch) in length. Their legs are brownish, and the head is partially concealed from above. The body is covered with short, sparse hairs (pubescence).
Book novelties:
Prioninae of the World I.
Cerambycidae of the Western Paleartic I.
Larvae are carrot-shaped, elongate, and range from golden to chocolate brown. They have a distinctive tuft of very long, curled golden-brown hairs at the tail end of their body. Larvae can grow up to about 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) in length.
The larvae’s body tapers toward the rear, ending in a brush-like tuft of hairs, which is a key identifying feature.
Black carpet beetle pictures
Adults are typically found outdoors feeding on pollen but can enter homes where larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, leather, feathers, and dried animal products.
For pictures, the sources below provide detailed images and drawings of both adults and larvae:
Pennsylvania State University Extension shows drawings and photos of male and female black carpet beetles and larvae with the characteristic tail hair tuft.
University of Maryland Extension provides photos comparing black carpet beetles to other carpet beetle species and shows larvae with their golden-brown hairs and tail tuft.
Orkin’s pest page includes photos of adult black carpet beetles highlighting their shiny black and brownish coloration and size range.
The IPM Images collection offers high-quality images of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of black carpet beetles, illustrating their appearance in various life stages.
These images can help you visually identify black carpet beetles and distinguish them from other similar pests.
