Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry areas, carpets, closets, under furniture, or near dead insects; outdoors on flowers and in bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, dead insects, and dried skins.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and cause damage by feeding on textiles or museum specimens.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health, but larvae can cause significant property damage to clothing, carpets, and taxidermy; rare cases of skin irritation from larva hairs.

Identified on: 2/23/2026