Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and area rugs; also found in bird nests or outdoor debris.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on animal-based materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, skin flakes, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo a long larval stage (up to a year) before pupating into small, rounded beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are a significant household pest that can damage textiles and clothing. Larval hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis' (allergic skin reactions) in some people. Benefit: In nature, they help decompose animal remains.

Identified on: 1/5/2026