Varied carpet beetle

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, as well as outdoors in bird and rodent nests or on flowering plants.

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

The insect undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae moving away from light to feed. Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows in the spring.

Larvae can cause significant damage to household items, textiles, and museum collections. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or dermatitis from contact with larval hairs.