Carpet Beetle Larva (specifically the shed skin or exuvia)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, carpet edges, under furniture, attic insulation, and storage boxes. They thrive where natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, or felt accumulate.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-rich animal proteins including wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, pet hair, and dried leather. Adults feed on flower pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark places and move slowly. They shed their skins multiple times as they grow, leaving behind the empty casings (like the one pictured) that look like hairy shells. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum specimens. The bristly hairs on the larvae or their shed skins can cause allergic dermatitis (carpet beetle rash) in sensitive individuals. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers cleaning up dead animal matter.

Identified on: 2/28/2026