Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in homes, museums, and storage facilities; also found outdoors in bird and rodent nests or on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae are scavengers that consume keratin and chitin found in natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, fur, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows in spring. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult), with the larval stage causing the most destruction over a period of months to years.

Risks & Benefits

They are a household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Some people may experience allergic reactions (dermatitis) to the shed skins and hairs of the larvae. They benefit the ecosystem by breaking down animal remains outdoors.

Identified on: 1/12/2026