Carpet beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with human and animal detritus such as pet hair, wool carpets, upholstered furniture, stored dry foods, natural fiber clothing, taxidermy, or insect collections. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and spider webs where they feed on organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on a wide variety of dry organic animal and plant matter, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, pet food, and stored grains.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and tend to curl up when disturbed. Adults are winged and can fly, often attracted to light and flowers outdoors. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae can cause significant damage to household goods composed of natural fibers, stored food products, and insect collections. They are considered household pests. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role as scavengers, helping to break down organic materials. They pose no direct health threat to humans, but some people may experience skin irritation from their bristly larval hairs.

Identified on: 9/13/2025