unknown inverts

[annie2]

Hi,

Can you help me with the identification of these inverts please:



This was taken last year (I think Feb) on the window ledge, next to the front door of my house. There is a hedge next to the door and a little front garden with various flowering plants.



This was taken last week on the lampshade in my house. It stayed quite along time on the lampshade and I found a second one in my bedroom

I wish all the inverts i find in my garden & house were in the books!

Thank you.

Annie

[Acutipuerilis]

Hi Annie,
I'm sure the first one is a lacewing larva, disguised with the bodies of its victims (they do that - charming creatures). The second is hard to be sure but looks rather like a very strongly marked Varied Carpet Beetle, Anthrenus verbasci. The latter are generally bad news for various things like clothes and upholstery...
Joe

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Annie,

What a lot the first is covered in! Yes, very similar to Lacewing larvae - but on close inspection, is that a caterpillar/maggoty thing (I'm very scientific in my terminology ) sticking out at the top? May be Lepidopteran - I can't see the usual jaws those Neuropterans have...

Take care,

Jason

[Matt Smith]

First one is a lepidopteran larva - it has a complete case (lacewings just pile a bit of rubbish on top of the body) and I can't see the typical lacewing jaws either.

Second image is a Carpet / Museum beetle - Anthrenus sp.

[Acutipuerilis]

Fair dos - I agree on second look that the jaws aren't there. Lepidopteran it is, then.

[Jason Green]

Confusing aren't they - these prey/detritus-covered larvae! I suppose it may be interesting to see exactly what they cover themselves in under the microscope, or is that just me...

[annie2]

Hi,

Thank you.

Yes it is confusing and weird larvae piling debris on themselves. No you are not alone, I agree it would be rather interesting to inspect the debris through a microscope and see whats hiding in the undergrowth.

Bit scary about the carpet beetle though.

Annie