Varied Carpet Beetle (Larva)

Indoor environments like homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in nests of birds, bees, and mammals.

Natural fibers and animal products including wool, silk, feathers, fur, hair, and dried insect specimens. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Larvae are scavenging pests that prefer dark, secluded areas where they can feed undisturbed. They undergo a complete metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.

Larvae can cause significant damage to household fabrics, clothing, and upholstered furniture. Their shed skins and bristly hairs (hastisetae) can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some people.