Carpet Beetle Larva (possibly varied carpet beetle larva or black carpet beetle larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas with natural fibers like carpets, rugs, furniture, animal products, stored food, and closets. Outdoors, they can be found in insect nests, animal carcasses, and dried plant material.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, leather, fur, feathers, pet hair, dead insects, dried meat, cereals, and other stored food products.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae are slow-moving and often prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They molt several times before pupating. Adults are winged and often found outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar, but can fly indoors to lay eggs. They are known for their destructive feeding on natural fibers.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and stored food products. They can cause financial losses due to damaged items, and some people may experience mild skin irritation from contact with their bristles. There are no known direct benefits to humans, but as scavengers, they play a role in decomposition in natural environments.

Identified on: 10/10/2025