Varied Carpet Beetle (Larva/Shell)

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors on flowering plants.

Larvae consume natural fibers (wool, silk, fur), feathers, dead insects, and dried pet food; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light, often hiding in dark crevices or under rugs. They shed hairy skins (exuviae) as they grow, which are frequently mistaken for live bugs.

Larvae are household pests that damage textiles and upholstered furniture. Hairs from larvae can cause skin irritation or 'carpet beetle dermatitis' in sensitive individuals. They serve as scavengers in the natural ecosystem.