Varied Carpet Beetle (Larva or Beetle)

Found indoors in homes, specifically near carpets, woolen fabrics, closets, museums, or outdoors in bird nests and pollen-rich flowers.

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, fur, feathers, dead insects, leather, and silt. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and tend to hide in dark crevices like baseboards or under furniture. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen on windowsills.

No direct health risk to humans (they do not bite), but larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and stored biological collections. Larval hairs can occasionally cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals.