Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses often near natural fibers like wool carpets, furniture, or in bird nests outdoors.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers (wool, fur, silk, feathers, dead insects), while adults feed on flower pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are often seen near windows trying to get outside to pollen sources. The damaging larval stage hides in dark, undisturbed areas (closets, under furniture) eating fabrics. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: The larvae are significant household pests that damage clothing, carpets, and stored goods. Their tiny hairs (setae) can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers/decomposers of dead animal matter.

Identified on: 2/27/2026