Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors on carpets, woolens, furniture, and museum specimens, as well as outdoors on flowers (where adults feed on pollen).

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, fur, silk, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed primarily on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and undergo complete metamorphosis. Adults are often attracted to light and can be found near windows.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans (though larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions in some people). They are a significant pest of fabrics, potentially damaging clothing, carpets, and taxidermy.

Identified on: 2/27/2026