Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)

Indoors, commonly found in homes, particularly in carpets, closets, and areas with stored fabrics. In nature, on flowers.

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

Adults are often seen near windows trying to get outside. The larvae are secretive, preferring dark, undisturbed areas where they can feed on organic material.

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens. They do not bite, but their bristles can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis). Benefits: In nature, they help decompose dead organic matter.