Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoor environments such as homes, warehouses, and museums, as well as outdoor nests of birds, bees, or wasps.

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers including wool, silk, feathers, fur, dead insects, and dried pet food. Adults feed outdoors on flower pollen and nectar.

Larvae are slow-moving, hairy, and prefer dark, undisturbed areas where organic fibers accumulate. Adults fly towards light, often seen near windows.

Larvae are fabric pests that damage woolens, carpets, upholstery, and preserved biological specimens. Their tiny hairs can cause dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They do not bite or transmit diseases.