Varied carpet beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in carpets, closets, air ducts, and behind baseboards; outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae scavenge on keratin and chitin in natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, hair, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light. They go through multiple molts, leaving behind thin, translucent brown shells. Adults are active flyers that feed on pollen/nectar.

Risks & Benefits

Non-venomous and does not bite. Highly damaging to household items like clothing, rugs, and upholstery. Their larval hairs (hastisetae) can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 2/23/2026