Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within homes, carpets, upholstered furniture, and closets; outdoors on flowering plants.

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, and dead insects; adults feed on flower pollen and nectar.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Females lay eggs near larval food sources. Larvae move slowly and avoid light, often hiding in dark cracks or fabric folds.

They do not bite humans or transmit diseases, but larvae can damage natural fabric items, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Their hair-like setae can cause mild allergic skin reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.