Carpet beetle larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, museums, warehouses; feed on natural fibers, furs, wool, upholstered furniture, carpets, stored food products, taxidermy, animal carcasses, and dried insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae are scavengers and detritivores, feeding on a wide range of organic materials including dead insects, animal skin and hair, wool, silk, feathers, leather, dried meat, and stored pantry items.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and are known for their hairy, segmented bodies. They pass through several instars (molts) before pupating. The adult beetles are often attracted to light and can be found near windows, but the larval stage is responsible for the damage.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to natural fiber products like carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture, as well as museum specimens and stored food. They can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals due to their bristly hairs. There are no notable benefits in a domestic or human-centric context; they are primarily pests indoors.

Identified on: 11/5/2025