Carpet Beetle Larva (assumed)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas rich in natural fibers (carpets, woolens, furs, upholstered furniture), stored foods (grains, dried pet food), and animal products (taxidermy, dead insects).

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products, stored grains, and sometimes cotton or rayon blends if soiled. They do not feed on synthetic fibers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are often found crawling slowly in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known to shed their skins (exuviae) multiple times as they grow, and these shed skins can be a sign of infestation. Adults are winged and are attracted to light, often found near windows, but larvae cause the damage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, including carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture. They can also infest stored food products. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, consuming decaying organic matter.

Identified on: 9/11/2025