Varied carpet beetle (adult)

Homes, museums, stored-product areas, and outdoors on flowers. Adults often occur near windows or walls seeking light.

Adults feed mainly on pollen and nectar; larvae consume keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, and shed skin.

Adults are oval and mottled, though this individual appears unusually dark. Larvae are hairy, avoid light, and can damage fabrics; development may take months to over a year.

Not dangerous to people and do not bite, but larval hairs may irritate sensitive skin and infestations damage textiles, taxidermy, and stored natural fibers. Adults provide minor pollination benefits.