Continued
The mature larva is 4
to 5 mm long, and has a series of light- and dark-brown transverse
stripes. If it is suddenly alarmed, the larva erects the 3
dense tufts of bristles and hair located on each side of the
rear end of the body, spreading them out to form beautiful,
round plumes. The larvae (known as wolly bears) are broadest
near the rear, and becomes narrower toward the front end, unlike
other carpet beetles.
Life Cycle:
The female lays about 40 eggs. There are usually
7 to 8 larval instars, but the number may vary from 5 to
16. The numbers of days for the various stages are as follows:
egg, 17 to 18; larva, 222 to 323; and pupa, 10 to 30. The
period from egg to adult is 249 to 354 days, and the adult
may live another 14 to 44 days.
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