Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within homes, attics, and carpets, as well as outdoors on flowering plants.

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

Slow-moving, small oval beetles with mottled white, brown, and yellow scales. Adults are attracted to light and windows, while larvae hide in dark, undisturbed areas.

Risks: Larvae can damage natural textiles, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Their shed hairs can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (carpet beetle dermatitis). Benefits: Outdoors, adults assist in plant pollination.