Carpet Beetle Larvae (likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas and dark spaces where animal products or various organic materials accumulate. These include carpets, rugs, woolen items, taxidermy, stored food products, pet food, lint, and dead insects.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-containing materials (wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather), dried animal products, stored grains and food, dead insects, pet food. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and prefer dark, undisturbed locations. They will shed their skin multiple times (molt) as they grow, and these shed skins can often be found along with the larvae. Adults are small, oval beetles that are often attracted to light and may be found near windows, but the larvae are the damaging stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant pests of stored products and fabric. They can cause damage to carpets, clothing, museum specimens, and pantry items by chewing irregular holes. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans but can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some sensitive individuals due to their bristly hairs. Benefits: In natural settings, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down dead organic matter.

Identified on: 10/22/2025