Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)

Indoor environments, particularly in homes near natural fibers like wool carpets, furniture, and stored clothing. Outdoors, they are found in bird or insect nests and on flowers.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on natural fibers, keratin (hair, feathers, dried skin), wool, silk, and dead insects.

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae are photophobic (avoid light) and hide in dark crevices, closets, or under furniture where they feed. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to fabrics, clothing, carpets, and museum specimens. Some people experience skin irritation ('carpet beetle dermatitis') from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of animal matter.