Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, and stored fabrics. Outdoors, they inhabit bird nests, bee hives, and are often found on flowering plants.

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

Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo a complete metamorphosis. Larvae are known as 'woolly bears' due to their hairy appearance and are secretive, hiding in dark, undisturbed areas to feed.

They are a significant household pest as larvae can damage clothing and carpets. While they do not bite humans, larval hairs (setae) can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. They play an ecological role as scavengers by breaking down keratin and animal remains.