Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as under furniture, in closets, along baseboards, and in stored woolen clothing or blankets. They also inhabit birds' nests and animal dens outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, pet dander, dead insects, and dried leather.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, secluded places and are photophobic (avoid light). They molt several times as they grow, leaving behind shed skins that look like hollow versions of themselves. This is the destructive stage of the insect's life cycle.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The larvae are pests that can cause significant damage to natural fiber fabrics, carpets, and taxidermy. The small hairs (bristles) on their bodies can cause skin irritation or allergic dermatitis (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers/decomposers of animal remains.

Identified on: 2/12/2026