Varied Carpet Beetle

Often found indoors, particularly in homes, museums, and warehouses. They hide in carpets, under furniture, in closets, and near windowsills. In nature, adults are often found on flowers.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, and dead insects. Adults feed primarily on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Adults are attracted to light and often try to enter homes to lay eggs. The damaging stage is the larval stage (often called 'woolly bears'), which prefers dark, undisturbed areas to feed on keratin-rich materials.

Risks: The larvae are a significant household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, tapestries, and taxidermy. The fine hairs on larvae can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Benefits: In nature, adults are minor pollinators, and larvae help break down dead organic matter.