Bug Identifier
Carpet beetle larva (probable)
Community identification

Carpet beetle larva (probable)

Anthrenus spp. or related dermestid

Order & Family
Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size
Larvae are typically 2–5 mm long when young and up to about 4–6 mm mature; the pictured specimen is too small and blurry for precise measurement.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially carpets, upholstery, closets, and concealed lint or pet-hair accumulations; adults may occur around windows and flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and lint. Adults generally feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving, often hairy, and avoid light; they may wander from a food source before pupating. Adults are small, oval beetles and commonly enter homes from outdoors.

Risks & Benefits

Larvae can damage natural-fiber clothing, carpets, and museum specimens; shed hairs may irritate sensitive skin or airways. They help decompose animal-derived organic material, while adults can pollinate flowers.