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

Indoors, typically found in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, under carpets, in air ducts, or food pantries. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, or dried plant material.

Larvae feed on a wide variety of organic materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, dried pet food, cereal products, museum specimens, taxidermy, and dead insects. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found crawling in dark areas. They prefer undisturbed locations. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fibers (carpets, clothing, upholstery), stored food, and museum collections. They are considered household pests. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by consuming animal carcasses and dried organic matter.