Carpet beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas where organic materials accumulate, such as woolens, furs, taxidermy, dried foods, and natural fibers; outdoors, often found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of dried organic materials of animal origin, including wool, silk, leather, pet hair, feathers, taxidermy, museum specimens, dried meats, and cereals. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the destructive stage, causing damage to natural fibers and dried goods. Larvae are often hairy and can roll into a ball when disturbed. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; they fly outdoors to feed on pollen. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant pests of homes, museums, and warehouses, causing damage to textiles, carpets, clothing, and preserved collections. In some cases, larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by consuming animal remains and dried organic matter.

Identified on: 9/16/2025