Carpet beetle larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with lint, pet hair, dust, or stored natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried food products. Also found in bird nests or mammal nests outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on a wide range of organic materials, particularly animal products like wool, fur, feathers, silk, leather, pet food, and dried meat. They can also feed on plant-based materials like cereals and spices.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and can often be found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known to shed their skins multiple times as they grow, leaving behind characteristic hairy casings. Adults are winged and can fly, often attracted to light and flowers outdoors, but will lay eggs indoors if suitable food sources are present.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a household pest due to damage caused to natural fibers (carpets, clothing, upholstery) and stored food products. Allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals due to hairs shed by larvae. No known direct benefits to humans in an indoor setting; however, in nature, some species are decomposers.

Identified on: 10/10/2025