What is this tiny but menacing bug?
June 16, 2017 6:00 AM   Subscribe

I found this terrifying creature on my bathroom sink. Six legs and only about 5mm long, but it has pincers! What is it?
posted by Faint of Butt to Science & Nature (7 answers total)
 
There's no photo at that link but I'd guess an earwig?
posted by DarlingBri at 6:10 AM on June 16, 2017


Not an earwig, the pincers seem to be at the head end.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 6:12 AM on June 16, 2017


It's an insect nymph of some kind - possibly a lacewing.
posted by pipeski at 6:19 AM on June 16, 2017 [3 favorites]


Best answer: Yep, predatory nymph, likely a lacewing, compare photos here. This guy will devour aphids and other pest bugs, usually considered a beneficial insect for gardens.

Fun fact: sometimes they build a carapace out of debris or the bodies of their victims. Behold beauty of nature!
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:25 AM on June 16, 2017 [14 favorites]


Response by poster: Lacewing nymph, eh? So what was it doing in my bathroom?
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:30 AM on June 16, 2017


Washing up?
posted by ejs at 7:36 AM on June 16, 2017 [38 favorites]


Insects are both amazingly complicated but also sort of dumb. Lots of times they end up where they are by accident. None of us belongs anywhere, we're all gonna die, etc.

You almost certainly don't have any aphids in your bathroom (unless you have plants in there?)
This little dude could have hitched a ride on you or any housemates/pets, that would be my best guess.
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:55 AM on June 16, 2017 [9 favorites]


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