Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors on carpets, woolens, furs, and stored fabrics; outdoors found on flowers and bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows; larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and hide in dark crevices where they feed.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans but are significant pests that damage clothes, carpets, and museum specimens; larvae hairs can sometimes cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis).

Identified on: 3/2/2026