Originally from India, it was introduced into the western United States during the 1940's and has been under federal quarantine. It is periodically detected in grain shipments entering U.S. ports. The female of the larder beetle lays eggs which hatch in 12 days or less. Cast skins from larval development often accumulates around the food source. Carpet beetles pupate in their last larval skin and may remain there for several weeks.
Mouthparts are for chewing.
Adult carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar in the spring. Larvae of the larder beetle, the black larder beetle and the hide beetle feed on animal products, including meats, cheeses, animal skins, feathers and horns. Black and varied carpet beetle larvae feed on fabrics containing wool and other animal hair in clothing, furniture and other household materials. Larvae are capable of digesting keratin, the protein in animal hair and feathers. The varied carpet beetle is often found in collections of dead, dried insects and other arthropods kept in unprotected, loosely-fitting, dark storage boxes.