Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)

Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds and other animals, under dead animals, or in flowering plants.

Larvae feed on a variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, cereals, and pet food. Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar.

Adult carpet beetles are often found near windows as they are attracted to light. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where food sources are available, such as under carpets, in closets, or inside upholstered furniture. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items, clothing, and museum specimens made of natural fibers. They are not known to bite humans or transmit diseases. Benefits: Larvae can act as scavengers, breaking down organic matter in nature.