Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, as well as outdoors in bird nests or on flowering plants.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, hair, and dried organic materials.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae are slow-moving and prefer dark, secluded areas where they can feed undisturbed.

A significant household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstery; larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.