Varied Carpet Beetle

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).

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

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.

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.