Varied Carpet Beetle (Larva)

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

Larvae feed on dry animal and plant products including wool, fur, feathers, silk, dead insects, and dried food stored in pantries.

Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light; they go through 6 to 30 molts depending on food availability and temperature.

A significant pest that causes damage to textiles and stored goods; the larval hairs (setae) can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.