Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; often located on carpets, woolens, furs, and in crevices where lint and dust accumulate.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on natural fibers (wool, silk, fur), dead insects, pet dander, feathers, and processed dry goods like grains or spices.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They move slowly and tend to roll up or play dead when disturbed. Molting occurs several times, leaving behind cast skins that are often the first sign of infestation.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to fabrics, clothing, carpets, and stored food. The larval hairs (hastisetae) can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: They act as decomposers in nature, cleaning up animal remains.

Identified on: 2/14/2026