Varied Carpet Beetle

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests or on flowers.

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, fur) and dried organic matter; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas; adults are attracted to light and are active during the day.

Major pest of household items and museum collections; larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation in humans.