Carpet beetle larva (likely varied carpet beetle)

Homes, especially carpets, upholstery, closets, and areas containing lint or natural fibers. Larvae often hide in dark, undisturbed places.

Larvae eat keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects, plus accumulated lint. Adults mainly consume pollen and nectar and do not damage fabrics.

Larvae are slow-moving, bristly, and may shed their skins; the pictured object may include a larval cast skin or cocoon debris. They develop through several molts and adults commonly appear near windows or flowers.

Larvae can damage clothing, rugs, taxidermy, and other animal-derived materials; their hairs may irritate skin or airways in sensitive people. They recycle dead organic material, while adults contribute modestly to pollination.