Varied carpet beetle (larva skin/casing)

Indoor environments, particularly in museums, homes, and warehouses where natural organic materials are stored.

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, feathers, fur, and hair. They can also eat dried food products like flour or pet food.

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under furniture, baseboards, or in closets. They undergo multiple molts, leaving behind translucent, papery larval casings like the one pictured.

They do not bite or carry diseases, but the larval hairs can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. They are significant pests that cause damage to clothing, upholstery, and insect collections.