Carpet Beetle Larva (Shed skin/exuviae)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, in carpets, baseboards, and pantry shelves. Outside, they live in bird nests or on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, and dead insects. They can also feed on dried food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae avoid light and prefer dark crevices. They molt (shed their skin) several times as they grow, leaving behind the empty, light brown, segmented casings seen in the image. Adults are attracted to light and feed on pollen.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health, though the bristly hairs on larvae can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis' (skin irritation) in sensitive individuals. They are significant pests that cause damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens.

Identified on: 3/2/2026