Carpet beetle larva

Indoors around carpets, upholstery, closets, vents, and other sheltered areas containing lint or natural fibers. Adults may occur near windows and flowers.

Larvae consume keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and lint. Adults mainly feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are slow-moving, brown, and often covered with bristles; they hide in dark, undisturbed places and molt repeatedly. Adults are small, rounded beetles that may enter homes from outdoors.

Larvae can damage clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens; their hairs may irritate sensitive skin or airways. They recycle animal remains outdoors, while adults pollinate flowers.