Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they are commonly found in undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, pantries, and attics. Outdoors, they live in nests of birds, rodents, and insects, as well as in flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of animal-based materials, including wool, silk, feathers, leather, furs, pet hair, dead insects, and dried animal products. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetles often remain hidden and can be difficult to detect. Adults are attracted to light and may be found near windows. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas, feeding on keratin-containing materials. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larval stage is responsible for most damage.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to fabrics, carpets, clothing, museum specimens, and stored food products. They can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to their bristly hairs. They offer some benefit as decomposers in natural environments.

Identified on: 8/9/2025