Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.
Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.
I think it could be an isopod but am unsure. It doesn't look like ones I am familiar with in houses (usually basements, which is not where this is).
It is about 10mm or 3/8" long, seems to move towards the top of the picture (but mostly is just wiggly), and is slightly hairy. Western USA.
Looks like Carpet Beetle larvae. Used to find them in my old house some mornings. They come out at night to eat crumbs and shit.
Til I'm a carpet beetle larva
Lucky you, sounds like a chill lifestyle
U do know u can copy keys from a photo is u got a 3d printer
I do! That is a key to a house I haven't been to since 2018. It's my package opening key 🙂 But good info to share! Don't post your keys.
Ahh. Yeah I always mention it when people post keys just in case.
I think @[email protected] and @CMDR_[email protected] have the right direction with theDermestidae family of beetles. Looking at some pictures of the adult stage, I have seen those occasionally, and tried to use the Seek app to get an answer on them. These beetle looks pretty close to the larder beetle. Their life cycle seems to fit what I am seeing with the timeline.
Dermistid larvae? Did you recently purchase something taxidermized?
I think that you and @[email protected] have gotten pretty close if not on the exact! I did not just recently purchase anything taxidermied... Is this going to be like miller moths?
Dried fish, cheese, bacon, dog treats, and poultry are some of the foods that the beetle gets into. One study found that larvae show no preference out of calf meat, chicken meat, and pellet feed for rodents.
The beetle has been known to parasitically feed on live turkeys, leaving deep wounds.
sounds like a real pest
i used inaturalist to identify. Helps a lot with insects, plants and mushrooms.
I have some better photos but do not know how to add more. It is almost certainly this family. Maybe this one is a random visitor; it is on the wall where I park my bike.
I really like inaturalist (seek) but it failed me.
?
Not an expert. But looks like its a carpet beetle larvae. Or something similar.
I sometimes see these (or at least, something that looks like it) under my dog's water bowl every now and then. I do not know what they are, or where they come from but they do leave carapace shells and some kind of silk cocoons all over the place which is gross.
Just commenting to follow this for the answers because I would also like to know.
Looks like a baby house centipede judging from the legs(?) on the bottom.
I wish I could get a better photo. I do not have a macro lens but I may be able to get better details with a real camera.
Anyway, from up close observation with a small pen light, it looks like the "legs" really are "hairs," and the legs are all underneath the body, caterpillar style.
I thought so too, but they look different at that stage.
I'm almost certain that's a dermestid larva. I've seen lots over the years. They're mostly harmless, though a sign that maybe you should do a bit deeper of a 'spring cleaning.' If you are a fiber fiend (spinner, knitter, crocheter, etc.) or someone who likes natural fibers they can be bad news because they can munch your stuff if it's left around enough.
