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INTRODUCTION. The black carpet beetle is the most commonly encountered and economically important of the carpet beetles.  Its common name comes from its typical all black color.  It is found throughout the United States, but more commonly east of the Rocky Mountains and in the northern states.

RECOGNITION. Adults about 1/8-1/4in (2.8-5 mm) long.  Color dull dark brown to black.  Antennae short, with 3-segmented club, end/terminal segment at least as wide and as long as preceding 2 combined (in males much longer, about 2 times).  In addition, body elonggate-oval, head more or less concealed from above, with a median ocellus, tarsi 5-5-5.

     Larvae light brown to black.  Carrot-shaped, tapering towards rear.  Covered with golden brown to dark brown hairs laying flat on body; dorsal/upper surface lacks tufts of spear-headed hairs; rear end with a long tuft of brown hairs nearly as long as body.  Body up to about 1/4in (7-8 mm) long.

HABITS. Black carpet beetle larvae are general feeders on both animal and plant materials.  Animal-origin materials include hair, fur, feathers, hides, horns, carcasses, and dead insects, and they can be found in bird, rodent, and insect nests.  Plant-origin materials include cereal, stored grain, nuts, seeds, cayenne peppers, various meals, and processed foods, such as flour.

     On fabrics, larvae tend to surface graze but are quite capable of making small or large irregular holes.  On furs, they cut the hairs at their bases and leave the hide undamaged.  The larvae may burrow through packing materials to get to the contained food.

     The adults are found outside and active during warm weather.  They are found on flowers, particularly in the spring and especially on Spiraea spp., often eating the pollen.  They can also be found in the nests of birds, rodents, and insects such as wasps, and around spiders.  Inside, adults are often found at windows during the spring.  The actual breeding areas can be quite diverse and may include unusual places such as wall/ceiling voids where cluster flies, boxelder bugs, etc. overwintered and yellowjackets, honey bees, etc. lived, feeding on the dead insects; rodent baits in attics, crawl spaces, and basements; electrical wire insulation in wall voids; wasp and hornet nests in attics or under eaves, bird nests built in or outside against buildings; light fixtures containing dead insects; behind and under baseboards where lint and pet hair accumulate; insulation which contains animal hair; etc.  The larvae tend to wander about feeding here and there, and can be found far from the primary infestation.  When distrubed, the larva curls up and "plays possum”.

     The adults are attracted to light upon emergence from the pupa, but avoid or shun light after mating.  The larvae avoid or shun light.

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