Question

Mysterious Brown Bug   Hi!

I live in Savannah, GA, and I've found this tiny, brown bug on my patio and thought it was pretty, so I snapped a photo. Then, my mom was complaining about some tiny, brown bugs coming in her house from the window sill, and coincidentally, they seem to match the photo I'd taken a little while back.

I think the insect in the photo is at most 2mm long - very small.

Do you know what kind of bugs these are?

Thanks so much!
Amanda

Answer
Amanda,

This is a dermestid beetle, the varied carpet beetle. The adult beetle feeds on pollen and the larvae feed on natural fibers, seeds and so forth. Larvae can be pests of fabric and stored foods in homes (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/carpet_beetle.html for more info).

Post a follow up if you have questions.

Jack DeAngelis