Varied Carpet Beetle

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, or outdoors on flowering plants.

Larvae eat natural fibers, dried organic matter, and keratin; adults eat pollen and nectar.

Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows; larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, and taxidermy; larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.