Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, upholstery, and stored fabrics; outdoors they are often found on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on natural fibers, animal products like wool, silk, feathers, and dried protein-based materials.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis. The larval stage is the destructive phase and can last up to a year.

Risks & Benefits

They are a common household pest that can damage clothing, blankets, and furniture. Larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some humans. They benefit the ecosystem by breaking down organic animal matter outdoors.

Identified on: 4/3/2026