Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found in dark, undisturbed areas indoors such as under carpets, in closets, along baseboards, in air ducts, and in stored clothing or upholstery where natural fibers are present.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of animal-based materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, hair, and dead insects. They may also infest stored food products like grains and spices.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the destructive phase. They avoid light and prefer dark, quiet places. They molt several times as they grow, leaving behind bristly, cast skins (exuviae), which are often the first sign of an infestation. The object in the image appears to be one of these cast skins.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber textiles like clothing, carpets, and furniture. The bristly hairs on the larvae can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they are beneficial decomposers, helping to break down dead animals and insects.

Identified on: 11/16/2025