Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)

Indoors, larvae are found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, storage areas, and areas where pet hair or lint accumulates. Outdoors, adults are found on flowers.

Larvae feed on a variety of animal-based materials, including natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, leather), pet hair, dead insects, museum specimens, and food products (dried meat, pet food). Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Carpet beetle larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are negatively phototactic and tend to avoid light. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items made of natural fibers, museum collections, and stored food products. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: In nature, they are detritivores, helping to break down organic matter.