Carpet beetle

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in nests of birds and insects.

Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried animal products. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are attracted to light and may be seen near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks include damage to carpets, clothing, museum specimens, and stored foods. They do not bite or sting humans. In nature, they are detritivores, aiding in decomposition.