Carpet Beetle

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

Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, fur, and feathers, as well as dried food products. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas like under baseboards or in closets. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks include significant damage to household textiles, clothing, and stored goods. Their bristly hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some humans. Benefits to the ecosystem include aiding in the decomposition of organic matter outdoors.