Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, often found in undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under furniture, or rugs, feeding on natural fibers, furs, feathers, and stored food products.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, dried meat, pet food, and sometimes spices and cereals. Adults generally feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

The larva is the destructive stage, causing damage to natural fibers and stored goods. They are slow-moving and tend to avoid light. They can often be found in lint accumulations where they feed on organic debris. They undergo several molts before pupating. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include significant damage to textiles (clothing, carpets, upholstery), museum specimens, and stored pantry items, leading to economic losses. Their shed skins and fecal pellets can also trigger allergic reactions or asthma in sensitive individuals. They do not bite or sting humans. Benefits are limited, though some species are used in forensic entomology or pest control to clean skeletons.

Identified on: 11/16/2025