Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in dark, undisturbed areas such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and museums. They infest natural fibers, animal products, and stored food items.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products (dead insects, taxidermy, leather), certain stored dry foods (cereals, pet food), and natural fibers. They feed on debris and shed skin.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and prefer dark environments. They have distinctive bristles or hairs on their bodies. Adults are often attracted to light and feed on pollen and nectar outdoors, while larvae are destructive pests indoors. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens made of natural fibers. They can also contaminate stored food products. Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to their bristles, though they do not bite or transmit diseases. Benefits are negligible; they are primarily considered pests in household and commercial settings.

Identified on: 11/29/2025