Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses; also found outdoors on flowers during spring.

Larvae eat natural fibers like wool, silk, hair, and feathers, as well as dead insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

They undergo complete metamorphosis; adults are attracted to light and are often found on windowsills, while larvae seek out dark, undisturbed areas.

Can cause significant damage to household items, clothing, and museum specimens; larvae hairs can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.