Carpet Beetle Larva (Exuviae / Shed Skin)

Indoors, commonly found near natural fabrics, carpets, bedding, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and dark storage areas.

Scavengers feeding on organic materials containing keratin, such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, dead insects, lint, and pet hair. Adults feed on flower nectar and pollen.

Larvae move slowly and avoid light, often hiding in dark crevices. They undergo multiple molts, leaving behind hairy, brown exuviae (cast skins) like the one pictured. They pupate into small, oval-shaped beetles.

Risks: Larvae can cause damage to natural textiles, clothing, carpets, and taxidermy. The tiny tufts of hairs (hastisetae) on larvae and shed skins can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Benefits: They serve as natural decomposers in outdoor environments by clearing dead animal and insect matter.