Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark areas like closets, under furniture, in carpets, or near baseboards. In nature, they inhabit bird nests and animal burrows.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, silk, feathers, fur, pet hair, dead insects, and dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slowly crawling and avoid light. They undergo several molts, leaving behind empty brown skins. They can stay in the larval stage for months to years depending on food availability.

Risks & Benefits

They are major household pests that damage fabrics and natural fibers. Their bristly hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis', a skin irritation or allergic reaction, in some humans.

Identified on: 6/21/2026