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Is this a carpet beetle? #867153

Asked May 05, 2024, 9:01 PM EDT

This bug has wings, but it appears uninterested in flying. I saw it flutter its wings to try to turn its self right side up but never fly at all. It is tiny— about the size of a sesame seed ( which it is exactly what I have pictured it with in the 3rd photo. ) Photo # 9130 is it from above. Photo # 9128 is its belly. I am happy to try to provide any further photos or information in order to help identify. I woke up with a rash on the entire left side of my torso this morning and a very itchy scalp. I started searching like a madwoman for evidence of bedbugs. Sheets, pillows, bed frame, ottoman at the end of the bed. Mattress protector, mattress….I found nothing that ( to me!) looked like anything on the internet. No eggs no fecal matter, no blood, nothing. Then I found this little guy about 5 feet away from my bed pillow down on a book sitting close to the floor and our ( polyester) carpeting. A buzillion thanks if you can identify this creature or direct me to other expert resources.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Marsha,
It's a little hard to tell for sure if that is a carpet beetle (an Anthrenus species) from your photos. The body form and size seem about right and the color pattern seems similar, but I can't see quite enough detail to tell for sure.
For comparison, here is a slightly higher resolution photo of a carpet beetle for comparison so you can check if that is what you are seeing...
https://bugguide.net/node/view/1645925
If you want to try getting some additional close-up, in-focus photos, that might help to get a confirmed ID.
Bill Gerth Replied May 09, 2024, 5:21 PM EDT

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