Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; typically resides under carpets, in baseboards, or within stored organic materials.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on animal by-products like wool, silk, feathers, fur, and leather, as well as dried food products and pet hair.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the primary feeding stage; they move slowly and prefer dark, secluded areas. They undergo several molts before pupating into adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household fabrics and clothing. Larval hairs (setae) can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in some individuals. Benefits: They act as scavengers in nature, breaking down organic debris.

Identified on: 6/6/2026