Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as under furniture, in closets, along baseboards, and in dried food storage. In nature, found in bird nests or bees' nests.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on keratin-rich natural fibers such as wool, fur, feathers, silk, carpets, dead insects, pet dander, and occasionally dried plant products like spices and grains.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark areas and are sluggish movers. They molt several times as they grow, leaving behind cast skins that look like the larva itself. After reaching maturity, they pupate before emerging as adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are a household pest that can cause significant damage to fabrics, clothing, rugs, and taxidermy. The small bristles on their bodies can cause skin irritation (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefit: In nature, they act as decomposers of animal remains.

Identified on: 2/14/2026