Carpet Beetle larvae (or similar dermestid beetle larvae)

Indoors: carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored food products, taxidermy. Outdoors: nests of birds and rodents, insect nests, decaying animal matter.

Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products, dried plant materials, stored food products (grains, cereals).

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and may roll into a ball when disturbed. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis, respiratory issues) to larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by consuming dried animal remains.