Varied Carpet Beetle

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

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

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.

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.