Varied carpet beetle (adult)

Homes, museums, stored-product areas, and sheltered outdoor sites, especially around flowers and windows.

Adults feed mainly on pollen and nectar; larvae consume keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, and dried insects.

Adults are slow-moving and often attracted to light. Larvae are hairy, avoid light, and can remain hidden while damaging textiles; development may take several months to years.

Larvae can damage clothing, carpets, upholstery, and natural-history specimens and may irritate sensitive skin. Adults are harmless pollinators, and larvae help recycle dead animal material.