Carpet beetle larva (likely varied carpet beetle)

Homes, especially carpets, closets, upholstery, and undisturbed areas where lint and animal fibers accumulate. Adults occur outdoors on flowers and windows.

Larvae eat keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, silk, and shed skin, plus lint and dead insects. Adults mainly feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are slow-moving, bristly, and avoid light; they can persist for months or years while molting repeatedly. Adults emerge seasonally and commonly gather near windows.

Larvae can damage clothing, carpets, taxidermy, and natural-fiber furnishings; their hairs may irritate skin or airways. They recycle organic debris, while adults pollinate flowers.