What is the damaging stage for carpet beetles?

What is the damaging stage for carpet beetles?

• A. Adult
• B. Larvae
• C. Egg
• D. Pupa

Answer: (B)

The damaging stage for carpet beetles is the larvae. During this phase, carpet beetle larvae feed on organic materials found in homes, such as wool, silk, cotton, and other natural fibers. This feeding behavior can result in significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other fabric items. The larvae have strong mandibles that enable them to chew through these materials, leading to fraying, holes, and general degradation. In contrast, the adult stage primarily serves the reproductive purpose, and although adults can be a nuisance, they do not cause the same level of damage as the larvae. Eggs and pupae, while critical to the lifecycle of the beetle, also do not inflict direct damage to household items. Thus, it's the larval stage that is most notorious for the destruction associated with carpet beetles.

The damaging stage for carpet beetles is the larvae. During this phase, carpet beetle larvae feed on organic materials found in homes, such as wool, silk, cotton, and other natural fibers. This feeding behavior can result in significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other fabric items.

The larvae have strong mandibles that enable them to chew through these materials, leading to fraying, holes, and general degradation. In contrast, the adult stage primarily serves the reproductive purpose, and although adults can be a nuisance, they do not cause the same level of damage as the larvae. Eggs and pupae, while critical to the lifecycle of the beetle, also do not inflict direct damage to household items. Thus, it's the larval stage that is most notorious for the destruction associated with carpet beetles.