Carpet Beetle (Likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle larva)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, attic spaces, and in wall voids. They thrive near sources of natural fibers such as wool, fur, silk, leather, feathers, and lint accumulations.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar outdoors. Larvae are pests that consume natural fibers (wool, silk, fur), dried organic matter, pet hair, dead insects, and stored food products like grains and spices.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark places and will tunnel into fabrics or natural materials. Adults are attracted to light and are often found on windowsills. The larvae are known to 'play dead' or curl up when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The larvae are significant household pests that can cause extensive damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, taxidermy, and museum specimens. Some people may develop allergic reactions (dermatitis) to larval hairs. Benefits: They play a minor role as decomposers of dead animal matter in nature.

Identified on: 2/21/2026