Carpet Beetle larvae

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas rich in organic materials like carpets, wool, taxidermy, stored food products, and lint. Can also be found outdoors in bird nests or insect nests.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials (wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products, stored food items (grains, flour, cereals), and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with natural ones or soiled.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and are responsible for the damage as adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larval stage is the longest and most destructive.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to household items, textiles, and stored foods, costing homeowners and museums money to repair or replace items. They can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to their hairs or shed skins. Benefits are negligible when found indoors, but outdoors, they can play a role in decomposition of animal carcasses.

Identified on: 9/5/2025