Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors, commonly found in homes, warehouses, and museums. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under carpets, in closets, air ducts, or behind baseboards. Outdoors, they are often found on flowering plants.

Larvae feed on natural fibers including wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects, and dried leather. Adult beetles primarily feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows. The larvae, often called 'woolly bears', avoid light and cause the actual damage to fabrics. They have an annual life cycle, though it can extend to two years in adverse conditions.

Risks: The larvae are a significant household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, museum specimens, and upholstered furniture. Bristles on larvae can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, adults are minor pollinators, and larvae help break down animal matter.