Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses near food sources like natural fibers; outdoors, they are found on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae (the damaging stage) eat natural fibers such as wool, silk, feathers, fur, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. Females lay eggs near larval food sources. They undergo a complete metamorphosis with a larval stage that can last several months to a year.

Risks & Benefits

They are household pests that damage clothing, upholstery, and carpets. The larval hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. They do not bite humans or pets.

Identified on: 6/8/2026