Varied carpet beetle (larva)

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

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

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.

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.