Carpet beetle larva

Indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, wall voids, and beneath furniture; larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Larvae eat keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and lint. Adults mainly consume pollen and nectar and do not damage fabrics.

Larvae are slow-moving, bristly, and may leave shed skins; they develop through several molts and can persist for months. Adults often appear near windows or flowering plants.

Larvae can damage natural-fiber clothing, carpets, and stored specimens, and their hairs may irritate sensitive skin or airways. They recycle animal debris, while adults contribute to pollination.