Patent Leather Beetle

Oh wow. They almost look like eyes, especially since they're out of focus.

I love how the mites in the front are arranged in perfect symmetry!

Like most Patent Leather Beetles, this one's got mites.

Thanks! Never heard of it before, but I've seen then around every so often. My son and I noticed the hissing noise when we "poked" it with a stick.

Also known as patent leather beetle, bessbug, bess beetle, peg beetle, and Betsy beetle, among others. They make a wonderful squeaking noise when handled. :-)