Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, in carpets, or near wool/fabric storage. In nature, they live in bird nests or mammal dens.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers), pet hair, dead insects, and dried food products. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae (pictured) are slow-moving and tend to avoid light. They are often responsible for the actual damage to fabrics, molting several times and leaving shed skins behind.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum specimens. Some people experience skin irritation ('carpet beetle dermatitis') from the larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they are decomposers.

Identified on: 2/28/2026