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

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas, closets, attics, under furniture, feeding on natural fibers, furs, wool, upholstered furniture, and stored food products.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, natural fiber fabrics, dead insects, animal remains, and stored dry food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and avoid light. They feed voraciously, often leaving behind shed skins and fecal pellets. Adults are often found near windows as they seek to go outdoors to feed on pollen and nectar, or lay eggs indoors. The larvae are the destructive stage.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and stored goods. They do not bite or sting humans, but can cause allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals from their bristles. There are no known benefits as household pests.

Identified on: 10/10/2025