Varied Carpet Beetle

Commonly found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests or on flowering plants.

Larvae scavenge on keratin and chitin in natural fibers (wool, silk, fur, feathers) and dried food; adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are avoidant of light and prefer dark, undisturbed areas. Life cycle takes about a year, with adults emerging in spring and summer to find mates.

Significant pests of household goods and museum collections; larvae hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.