The two spot variety are shiny black as adults with two white spots on their back. These are attracted to UV light and can often be seen on window ledges. They lay between 50-100 eggs at a time. It is common in fleeces and dried fur and skins.

The other variety is the varied carpet beetle which has a marbled effect of colours in the range of pale brown, yellow and straw. This one lays between 12 and 100 eggs. It is in late summer that these creatures enter buildings and lay their eggs.

The larvae, commonly known as 'woolly bears' will eat woollen clothing and other natural fibres as well as woollen carpets.