Varied Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they are found in homes, museums, and warehouses often near windows or in dark areas like closets. Outdoors, they are found on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers, dried animal products, wool, silk, hair, feathers, and carpets. Adults feed predominantly on pollen and nectar from flowers.

Behavior Patterns

They undergo complete metamorphosis. Adults are frequently attracted to light and are often discovered on windowsills during the spring. The larval stage is the destructive phase, actively seeking out animal-based fabrics.

Risks & Benefits

They are a common household pest that can damage clothing, upholstery, and carpets. While they do not bite humans, the prickly hairs (setae) of the larvae can cause skin irritation or 'carpet beetle dermatitis' in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 1/13/2026