Varied Carpet Beetle

Often found indoors in carpets, upholstery, and closets; outdoors on flowering plants.

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, feathers, fur) and dried organic matter; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Adults are attracted to light and are common in springtime; they undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Major household pest as larvae can damage fabrics and natural items; some humans may experience allergic reactions or skin rashes from contact with larval hairs.