Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors, they inhabit bird nests and flowering plants.

Larvae scavenge on natural fibers and dried animal products like wool, silk, feathers, and hair. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows in spring. They undergo complete metamorphosis; the larval stage is the primary period of destruction.

They are major household pests that damage carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Their larval hairs can cause allergic reactions in some humans. They benefit the ecosystem as scavengers of keratin and chitin.