Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors on flowering plants consuming pollen.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, and feathers, as well as dried food products; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal insects that are attracted to light; they undergo a complete metamorphosis from egg to larva to pupa to adult.

Risks & Benefits

Can cause significant damage to household items, clothing, and museum specimens; larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Identified on: 6/14/2026