Carpet Beetle Larva (Exuvia/Shed Skin)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in carpets, closets, drawers, or areas where natural fibers (wool, silk, fur) or dried food products are stored. Often found along baseboards or under furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and leather. They also consume dried pet food, dead insects, and organic debris.

Behavior Patterns

The image likely shows the shed skin (exuvia) of a larva rather than a live insect. These larvae are cryptic and typically avoid light, hiding in folds of fabric or deep in carpets. They undergo multiple molts before pupating.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The larvae are significant household pests that can cause extensive damage to clothing, carpets, rhugs, and upholstery. Some people may develop contact dermatitis ('carpet beetle dermatitis') from handling the hairy larvae or their shed skins. Benefits: In the wild, they act as decomposers of dried animal matter.

Identified on: 2/17/2026