Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in carpets, closets, and air ducts; outdoors in gardens on flowers.

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, and feathers; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavenger specialists that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo a lengthy larval stage lasting up to 2 years before pupating.

A major household pest that damages textiles and upholstery; larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation in humans.