Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums where natural fibers are present; also found outdoors on flowers.

Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers and move slowly while feeding; adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows during spring.

Major pest of household items and museum collections; larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some humans.