Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors within homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in gardens on pollen-producing flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, feathers), hair, and dried organic matter. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

They undergo complete metamorphosis. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows in the spring. Larvae are scavengers and tend to avoid light.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include damage to household textiles, carpets, and upholstery. Larvae hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. They have no significant benefits to humans.

Identified on: 3/7/2026