Carpet Beetle Larva (likely Case-bearing Clothes Moth larva casing)
Scientific Name: Tinea pellionella (Case-bearing Clothes Moth) or Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle larva)
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Tineidae (Moth) or Coleoptera: Dermestidae (Beetle)
Size: Typically 5mm to 10mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Dark, undisturbed areas in homes such as closets, carpet edges, under furniture, drawers, and attics (especially near wool, silk, or fur).
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-rich organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, lint, pet dander, and occasionally stored grains.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae avoid light and prefer dark crevices. The Case-bearing Clothes Moth larva constructs a small, portable silken case incorporating fibers from the textile it is eating, which it drags around as camouflage (resembling a pumpkin seed or grain of rice).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Significant pest of natural fabrics; they can cause extensive damage to clothing, carpets, rugs, and upholstery. They do not bite humans or spread disease but can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in some people due to contact with larval hairs.
Identified on: 3/8/2026