Carpet Beetle Larva (likely varied carpet beetle or furniture carpet beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in homes, museums, and warehouses. They thrive in dark, undisturbed areas, feeding on natural fibers, furs, wool, silk, feathers, and dried animal products.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried animal remains, pet food, and occasionally synthetic fibers blended with natural ones. They are also known to feed on insect collections and museum specimens.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, actively feeding and undergoing several molts. They avoid light and hide in crevices. Adults are often found outside feeding on pollen and nectar, but lay eggs indoors. The larval stage can last from several months to a year, depending on environmental conditions and food availability.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant pests of stored products and household items, causing damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum artifacts. They can infest pantries, feeding on dried foods. Some people may experience skin irritation from their bristly hairs. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers, breaking down organic matter like animal carcasses and insect remains.

Identified on: 9/20/2025