Common Carpet Beetle Anthrenus scrophulariae

Talk about a dietary plot twist—the adult beetles are innocent pollen-sippers, but their larvae are the notorious fabric destroyers that have plagued homeowners and museum curators for centuries. Originally from Europe, these tiny striped beetles have spread to most of the world.

The larvae munch through carpets, wool, and precious museum specimens with surprising efficiency. A single larva can cause remarkably extensive damage for something barely visible to the naked eye.