Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, closets, and around woolens; outdoors in bird nests and on flowers

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae avoid light and hide in dark, undisturbed areas

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and stored fabrics; tiny hairs on larvae can cause allergic skin reactions. Benefits: In nature, they help break down dead organic matter.

Identified on: 3/6/2026