Varied carpet beetle larva or shed skin

Indoors, especially carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, stored textiles, and dusty wall or floor edges.

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

Larvae are slow-moving, bristly, and often hide in dark undisturbed areas; their cast skins can resemble active insects. Development may take several months to over a year indoors.

They do not bite or transmit disease, but larval hairs can irritate sensitive skin and infestations can damage wool, fur, feathers, and textiles. They help decompose animal-derived organic debris.