Bird Nest Skin Beetle (varied carpet beetle larva)

Indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in bird nests, bee nests, and on flowering plants.

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

Larvae are scavengers and slow-moving, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo a complete metamorphosis with a long larval stage (several months to a year).

Major pest of textiles and preserved biological specimens. Their shed hairs can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (dermatitis) in humans.