Carpet Beetle Pupa/Larva (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, beneath carpets, in drawers, or near baseboards. Outdoors, they are found in bird or insect nests.

The larvae feed on keratin-based animal fibers (wool, fur, silk, feathers, leather), dead insects, dried plant materials, and dry pet food. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae ('woolly bears') are photophobic (avoid light) and wander in search of food. When ready to pupate, they attach themselves to a surface or burrow into material. The image shows the pupal stage inside the last larval skin.

Risk: Major household pest; the larvae cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum specimens. Some people experience allergic dermatitis from contact with larval hairs. Benefit: in nature, they act as decomposers/scavengers.