Carpet Beetle Larva

Indoor environments, frequently found in carpets, closets, under baseboards, and in stored food areas. They prefer dark, undisturbed locations.

Scavengers that feed on animal-based materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, skin flakes, and dead insects. They can also infest dried plant products like grain or spice.

Larvae are slowly mobile and avoid light. They undergo several molts, leaving behind hollow, light-brown cast skins. They can survive for long periods without food and the larval stage can last from several months to years depending on environment.

They do not bite or spread disease, but their prickly hairs (hastisetae) can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an allergic skin reaction in some humans. They are significant pests that cause damage to clothing, upholstery, and stored household items.