Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors on flowering plants.

Larvae eat natural fibers (wool, silk, fur), feathers, and stored grains; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are active during the day and attracted to light. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Significant pests of textiles, museum collections, and dried foods. Larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some humans. No distinct benefits to human dwellings.