Varied Carpet Beetle

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, often near windows; outdoors they live in bird or social insect nests and on flowering plants.

Larvae scavenge on dry animal proteins (wool, silk, feathers, hair, dead insects). Adults feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Larvae are light-avoiding and hide in dark crevices or textiles. Adults are attracted to light and often cluster on windowsills during the spring as they try to move outdoors to mate.

They are a common household pest; the larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture. Their bristly hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.