Varied Carpet Beetle

Found indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors they are often found on flowering plants.

Adults feed on pollen and nectar. Larvae feed on natural fibers, animal products (wool, silk, leather, fur), pet food, and dead insects.

Adults are attracted to light and are often seen near windows. The larvae are scavengers that prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

They do not bite or spread disease, but the larvae can cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, and blankets. Larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some humans.