Carpet Beetle Larva

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, carpet edges, under furniture, in air ducts, or stored woolens. Outdoors, they inhabit bird nests and bee hives.

Larvae feed on natural fibers and protein-based materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dead insects, pet hair, and dried plant products.

The larvae avoid light and move slowly. They are known for their 'fuzzy' appearance due to stiff hairs (setae). When disturbed, they may curl up or play dead. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks: Major household pest that damages carpets, clothing (especially wool), upholstery, and museum specimens. They do not bite or spread disease, but their tiny hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of dead animal matter.