Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors on carpets, woolens, fabrics, stored food products, and in bird or insect nests; outdoors found on flowering plants (feeding on pollen/nectar).

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers (wool, silk, fur), dead insects, leather, and dried food products; adults feed mostly on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found on windowsills; larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and underneath furniture where they chew irregular holes in fabrics.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health (though larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions or dermatitis); significant pest causing damage to carpets, clothing, museum specimens, and upholstered furniture.

Identified on: 2/25/2026