Carpet Beetle Larva (typically Dermestid larvae)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas where organic matter accumulates. This includes carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored food products, insect collections, and animal products (e.g., wool, fur, feathers).

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on a wide variety of organic materials, including animal products (wool, silk, fur, leather, feathers), dried meat, dead insects, pet food, and some plant-based materials (e.g., cereals, spices). They are not predatory.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and avoid light. They undergo several molts, and their shed skins can often be found along with fecal pellets. Adults are often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar. The object in the image is most likely a larva or a cast larval skin due to its shape and color, appearing like a fragment rather than a complete, live insect.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a common household pest, capable of causing significant damage to natural fibers (carpets, clothing, furniture), stored food products, and museum collections. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the larval hairs or cast skins. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as decomposers, breaking down organic matter. They are also used in forensic entomology to estimate post-mortem interval and by museums to clean animal skeletons.

Identified on: 11/18/2025