Carpet Beetle larvae

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, museums, warehouses, and other structures where animal or plant products are stored. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Diet & Feeding

Natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather; also dried animal products, stored grains, and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with natural ones. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are typically slow-moving and avoid light. They undergo several molts as they grow. The 'woolly bear' larvae are known for their dense hair-like bristles. Adults are often found outdoors feeding on pollen and nectar, but females enter structures to lay eggs. Different species may have different patterns, for example, Varied Carpet Beetle larvae are teardrop-shaped and have three pairs of hair tufts at the posterior end.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to personal property (carpets, clothing, upholstered furniture, stored food items, museum specimens) and potential skin irritation from their bristly hairs. They do not bite or spread disease. Benefits are minimal in a human-centric view, though they play a role as scavengers in natural ecosystems.

Identified on: 9/4/2025