Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing out of season, attics, and closets. They feed on natural fibers.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based products (wool, fur, feathers, leather), silk, dried animal products, pet hair, dead insects, museum specimens. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They molt several times as they grow, shedding their hairy skins. Adults are often found outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar, or indoors flying towards light.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to fabrics, carpets, clothing, and other keratin-containing items, leading to economic loss. They can also cause skin irritation in some sensitive individuals due to their barbed hairs. Generally, there are no significant benefits to humans, though they play a minor role in natural decomposition outdoors.

Identified on: 9/6/2025