Carpet beetle larva

Indoors, especially in carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, and other areas containing natural fibers or lint.

Larvae feed on keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, and dead insects; adults mainly feed on pollen.

The bristly larvae hide in dark, undisturbed spots and molt as they grow. The pictured pale form may be a shed skin or a larva partly emerging from fabric.

Larvae can damage textiles, and their hairs may irritate skin or trigger allergies. They do not bite or transmit disease.