Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums where natural fibers are present; outdoors on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on animal-based materials like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under baseboards or inside closets.

Risks & Benefits

While they do not bite humans, the larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation. They are a significant pest of household fabrics and museum specimens.

Identified on: 1/9/2026