
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.
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.