Varied carpet beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors within homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests, bee nests, and on flowers.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat natural fibers, feathers, hair, and dried insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active during the day and attracted to light. Larvae avoid light and can hide deep in carpets or upholstery for months while growing.

Risks & Benefits

Significant household pest that can damage textiles and collections; larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions in some humans.

Identified on: 4/30/2026