Carpet beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in areas with natural fibers like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, wool, silk, fur, feathers, and stored food products.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-based materials (natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers), dried animal products, stored grains, and pet food. They are scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found burrowing into infested materials. They tend to avoid light. Adults are typically found outdoors, feeding on pollen and nectar, or indoors near windows. Larval stage can last from several months to a year depending on conditions and species.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Some people may also experience skin irritation (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they act as important scavengers, breaking down organic matter. Indoors, they are widely considered pests.

Identified on: 9/17/2025