Carpet Beetle Larva

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.

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

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: 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.