InsectNet forum

I felt something in my ear earlier and found an insect in there (outer ear). Not sure if it crawled in there from a cushion behind my head or if it was in there for a while (creepy!). I'd seen one of these in the bathroom recently but ignored it.

I can't seem to identify it - have looked on a number of websites. It's about 5mm in width. Has a light brown body with a black "tail". Lots of legs.
A photo is attached.

If anyone can help, would appreciate it!

Thanks

That's a carpet beetle larva, family Dermestidae.

What looks like 'lots of legs' is actually bristles.

Adam.

Mystery solved - I think.
Seems to be carpet beetle larva. Assume it was crawling on the pillow because of the fabric and fell into my ear.

adamcotton wrote: Sun Oct 01, 2023 9:25 pm That's a carpet beetle larva, family Dermestidae.

What looks like 'lots of legs' is actually bristles.

Adam.

Thanks Adam. Sorry just saw your post after I posted my update. Still freaked out about it being in my ear, but glad it's not dangerous

No it's not dangerous to people, but it is an insect collector's nightmare to find them in the collection as they love to eat specimens and basically destroy them. By the time you see one the damage has already been done.

Adam.