Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums, as well as outdoors on flowers where adults feed on pollen.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, and dried protein-based materials; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Adults are active during the day and attracted to light; larvae are scavenger-like, slow-moving, and prefer dark, secluded areas where food sources are available.

While they do not bite humans, the larvae can damage household fabrics and preserved specimens. Their larval hairs can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.