The adult varied carpet beetle larva measures 4-5 mm and is crossed by dark brown transverse stripes. Anthrenus verbasci adults measure on average 2-3 mm in length. In its larval form it feeds on hides and skins that have not been tanned (furs, bags), animal hairs, feathers and down, wool, silk, also in cocoons, carpets, tapestries, animal waste (remains of insect larvae and pupae or whole insects, horns and horn objects, carrion), stuffed animals, entomological collections, pharmaceuticals and spices. The adult beetle only feeds on pollen and nectar from flowers, so it needs a garden nearby.