Varied Carpet Beetle

Typically found indoors in carpets, woolen fabrics, and stored products; outdoors on flowers and in bird nests.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows; larvae are photophobic (avoid light), hiding in dark crevices where food is available. They have an annual life cycle, often overwintering as larvae.

Risks: Larvae are a major household pest, damaging clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. They do not bite, but their bristly hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis). Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of dried animal matter.