Bug Identifier
Carpet beetle larva (possible shed skin)
Community identification

Carpet beetle larva (possible shed skin)

Anthrenus sp.

Order & Family
Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size
Larvae are typically 3–5 mm long; this curled specimen is too indistinct for precise measurement.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Homes, especially closets, carpets, furniture, and areas containing lint or natural-fiber materials.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and other keratin-rich materials; adults feed mainly on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are bristly and often leave shed skins; they hide in dark, undisturbed places. The photo is blurry, so identification is tentative.

Risks & Benefits

Larvae can damage textiles and may cause itchy skin irritation from their hairs. They do not bite or transmit disease; adults can pollinate flowers.