Carpet Beetle Larva

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and air ducts; outdoors they live in bird nests or on flowers.

Scavengers that feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, and fur, as well as dried food products and dead insects.

Larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo a complete metamorphosis with the larval stage lasting several months.

They are a common household pest capable of damaging textiles and clothing. Their bristly hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions ('carpet beetle dermatitis') in some individuals.