Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry, dark locations such as closets, carpet edges, under furniture, in cracks, or in bird nests outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, leather, and dead insects. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. The hairy, segmented larvae (often called 'woolly bears') prefer dark, undisturbed areas and can cause significant damage to stored fabrics.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae are household pests that damage carpets, clothing, and taxidermy. Their shed hairs can cause allergic dermatitis in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of dead animal matter.

Identified on: 3/7/2026