Carpet beetle (likely larval stage)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas where organic materials accumulate, such as carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, museums, and food storage areas.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather, animal carcasses, dried plant material, and pantry items. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

The larvae are often found in dark, secluded places and are destructive feeders. They move slowly and may curl up when disturbed. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; they are generally harmless indoors. The life cycle can take several months to a year depending on conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to textiles (carpets, clothing, furniture), stored food products, and museum specimens. They do not pose a direct health risk to humans, though some individuals may have allergic reactions to their shed hairs. They are not known to provide significant benefits in a domestic setting, but outdoors, the adults can act as pollinators.

Identified on: 11/20/2025