Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found globally; indoors they inhabit carpets, furniture, closets, and baseboards along edges. Outdoors they are found in bird nests and on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural 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 on windowsills. The damaging larval stage prefers dark, undisturbed places where natural fibers are stored.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and stored fabrics. The larval hairs (setae) can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers/decomposers.

Identified on: 2/26/2026