Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoor environments like homes and museums, as well as outdoor gardens on flowers.

Larvae eat natural fibers, hair, and dried organic matter; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Adults are active during the day and attracted to light. Larvae avoid light and can take months to mature.

Major household pest that damages carpets, wool, and silk. Larvae hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.