Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and stored food products. Outdoors, they can be found in animal nests, dried carcasses, and plant material.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of organic materials, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, dried meats, museum specimens, and sometimes synthetic fibers if soiled with food. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and prefer dark, secluded places. They are often found in areas with lint, hair, and dust accumulation, which provide both food and harborage. They undergo several molts as they grow. The 'shed skins' or exuviae, which look like fuzzy, bristly casings, are often more commonly seen than the live larvae themselves. Adults are winged and often attracted to light, occasionally found near windows, but they feed on pollen and nectar, not household items.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Carpet beetle larvae are common household pests that can cause significant damage to natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, leather) in clothing, carpets, furniture, and stored goods. They do not bite or spread diseases to humans, but their bristles can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition, helping to break down organic matter like animal remains.

Identified on: 10/7/2025