Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in gardens on pollen-rich flowers.

Larvae feed on natural fibers, dried animal products, wool, silk, fur, feathers, and carpets. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers known for damaging textiles and go through 6-12 molts. Adults are attracted to light and often fly indoors during spring to lay eggs.

Significant pest to household goods and museum collections. Larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some humans. They provide ecosystem benefits as decomposers outdoors.