Carpet Beetle Larva (likely varied, common, or black carpet beetle)

Indoors in homes, museums, warehouses, and other structures. They are found in dark, undisturbed areas where food sources are plentiful, such as under carpets, in closets, pantries, and sometimes in bird or rodent nests.

Keratin-based products (wool, silk, leather, feathers, pet hair), dried animal products (dead insects, taxidermy, dried meat, pet food), dried plant products (cereals, spices), and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with natural ones.

Larvae are the damaging stage, feeding in dark, undisturbed locations. They are often covered in bristles, giving them a 'hairy' or 'fuzzy' appearance, which can be seen as shed skins. Adults are typically attracted to light and are often found near windows; they feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, stored goods, furs, and other natural products. They can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some sensitive individuals from their bristly hairs. They are generally considered pests with no significant benefits to humans in an indoor environment. Outdoors, they play a minor role in decomposition.