Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae scavenge on keratin and chitin in natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers) and dried food; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are creeping scavengers that avoid light; adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows in spring. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Significant pest that damages household textiles and museum specimens; larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation in humans.

Identified on: 2/6/2026