Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; typically resides under baseboards, in carpets, closets, or upholstery.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on organic materials, including wool, silk, leather, fur, pet hair, feathers, and dried protein-based food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They have a slow growth cycle and can live for several months to over a year before pupating into adult beetles. They shed their skins multiple times as they grow.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household fabrics, clothing, and natural fibers. They do not bite, but their bristly hairs can cause 'carpet beetle dermatitis' (allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation) in sensitive individuals. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers by recycling animal protein.

Identified on: 3/18/2026