Carpet Beetle (larva)

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas with natural fibers like carpets, rugs, woolen goods, upholstered furniture, stored foods, and taxidermy. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds and mammals, and on flowers.

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal-based materials, including wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, animal carcasses, dried pet food, and sometimes plant products like cereals and spices. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar.

The larval stage is the destructive stage. Larvae are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and tend to curl up or 'play dead' when disturbed. They undergo several molts before pupating. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light.

Potential risks include significant damage to natural fiber textiles, carpets, clothing, and stored food products, leading to economic loss. They do not bite or transmit diseases. In natural environments, they can act as decomposers, cleaning up organic matter.