Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas rich in organic matter like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored foods, and taxidermy. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds/rodents and dead animals.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, leather, feathers, fur), dried animal products, stored dry goods (cereals, pasta, dried pet food), dead insects, and plant materials.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and may roll into a ball when disturbed. They undergo complete metamorphosis; adults are small, oval beetles that are often attracted to light and feed on pollen/nectar, but do not cause damage to household items. Larvae shed their hairy skins multiple times as they grow, leaving behind these 'shed skins' as evidence of infestation.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant pests of stored products and fabric, causing damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Can sometimes cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) due to their irritating hairs. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on dead organic matter.

Identified on: 9/5/2025