Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, closets, and furniture; outdoors on flowers and in bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and hide in dark, undisturbed areas where they feed on organic materials.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans (do not bite or sting), but larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Some people may have allergic reactions to the larval hairs.

Identified on: 3/3/2026