Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, furniture, closets, and darker areas; outdoors on flowers and in bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae avoid light and are the destructive stage, chewing on natural fibers. They have a complete metamorphosis life cycle.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health, though shed larval hairs (hastisetae) can cause skin irritation or 'carpet beetle dermatitis.' They are a significant household pest, causing damage to carpets, clothing, woolens, and museum specimens.

Identified on: 3/8/2026