Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in closets, carpets, and storage areas; outdoors found in bird nests or on flowers during spring/summer.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on keratin-rich natural fibers like wool, fur, silk, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed primarily on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found on windowsills. The destructive larval stage prefers dark, undisturbed areas. They have a complete metamorphosis life cycle.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens. Some people may experience allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) from the larvae's tiny bristle-like hairs. Benefits: Adults are minor pollinators outdoors.

Identified on: 2/27/2026