Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, silk, dead insects, and dried animal products.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows; larvae avoid light and hide in dark crevices, closets, and under furniture where they feed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae are significant pests that cause damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and museum specimens; hairs on larvae can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis). Benefits: In nature, they help decompose dead animal matter.

Identified on: 2/25/2026