Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within homes, carpets, furniture, closets, and museum collections; outdoors on flowering plants

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers (wool, silk, feathers, fur, leather) and dried organic material; adults feed on pollen and nectar

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; females lay eggs near larval food sources; larvae slowly consume organic fibers and undergo multiple molts

Risks: Larvae can cause damage to household fabrics, rugs, clothing, and natural material collections; larval hairs can cause carpet beetle dermatitis (skin irritation or allergic reactions). Benefits: Outdoors, adults serve as minor pollinators.