Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, specifically in carpets, closets, drawers, and under furniture where dust and fibers accumulate. Outdoors, they are found in bird or insect nests.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, leather, feathers, and dead insects. They may also eat dried plant products and pet hair.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They move slowly and may curl up if disturbed. As they grow, they shed their skins (molt), leaving behind empty, hairy husks. The adult beetles are attracted to light and often found near windows.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The larvae are significant household pests that can cause damage to clothing, carpets, furniture, and museum specimens. Their prickly hairs (setae) can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers/decomposers of dead organic matter.

Identified on: 3/8/2026