Varied Carpet Beetle

Often found indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors they live in bird nests and on flowers.

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 often found near windows. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas like closets or under furniture where they can feed on organic material.

Risks: Larvae are significant pests that damage clothing, carpets, and museum specimens; hairs on larvae can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: They act as decomposers in nature.