Carpet Beetle (likely Varied or Black Carpet Beetle)

Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses, in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and storage areas. Outdoors, adults can be found on flowers.

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal-based products, including wool, silk, feathers, leather, furs, dead insects, pet dander, and dried food products. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Carpet beetle larvae typically avoid light and often hide in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and may roll into a ball when disturbed. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, stored foods, and insect collections. They can also exacerbate allergies in some sensitive individuals due to their shed skins and hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition, breaking down animal carcasses and organic matter.