Question

bug  

bug2   Hello-
I live in the metro area of Detroit, MI.  I work in the city.  My bug problem resides at work.  

I have experienced two insect bites in the last few weeks.  Both appear to be the same (feeling) and I think I may have identified the culprit.  

It is a small, flying bug.  It appears to be black with tiny white or gray stripes (or possibly dark brown with tiny white/gray stripes).  When it was flying it looked like it had a mostly round body and wings also looked rounded out.  It is a little bit bigger than a fruit fly but definitely isn't a fruit fly.  

Oddly enough, it didn't leave any red marks when it bit/stung me.  However, every once in a while the pain comes back like I'm being stung in the same place again.

Please see attached images.  I hope you can identify this insect based on the description and image provided.

Thank you,
Renee

Answer
Renee,

This is a carpet beetle (dermestid beetle), see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/carpet_beetle.html for another picture. These beetles don't bite so it must be something else you are feeling. Very few insects or mites can be felt when they bite or sting. Wasps and bees can cause a painful sting and there are a few large insects that can bite. Here's a list of insects and mites that bite http://www.livingwithbugs.com/unknown_bug_bites.html and some things that can be mistaken for bug bites. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Jack DeAngelis