Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors on flowering plants.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, and dead insects.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae avoid light and prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under baseboards or in closets. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

They are a significant domestic pest, as larvae can damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery. Some people may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. They do not bite or sting.