Two insects needing identification!?

Question

So, I have two small insects that I can't seem to identify [you wouldn't believe the number of hours I've spent looking for them!] Two photographs of each insect can be found here: http://cph.morbidlemon.co.uk/bugsshow.jpg

Top one is 2mm long, reddish-brown abdomen/wing casing which is also smooth [not ridged like some beetles], dark thorax/head/legs. Slightly feathered/clubbed antennae, has the 'pointy' bit at the rear of the abdomen. I thought it might have been a woodworm beetle or other pest, but having caught it and looked closely I don't think it is.

Bottom one is 3mm long, grey/white [abdomen/thorax/head] with some black speckling. It doesn't have the 'pointy' end [I wish I remembered the proper word for that] like the other. Dark legs, also has slightly feathered/clubbed antennae. Initially thought it was a carpet beetle as I've seen those before, but again on closer inspection I'm not sure it is.

Both found near indoor plant pots. What are they? Thanks!

Answer 1

Two possiblilities:

carpet beetle

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

or dermestid beetle

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

Given their elytra and their plated back, we can deduce that they are from the group of Coleoptera. Aphids can be ruled out because they do not have elytras and are in the same class as cicadas, assassin bugs, stinkbugs, ect. That is Hemiptera, the true bugs with sucking mouthparts.

Answer 2

I vote for carpet beetle.  The second looks to have been attacked by a mold, hence the color.  It is spelled Coleoptera.

The pointy thing in the back looks to be the female parts that protrude when squished.

Answer 3

they sound and look like aphids,Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck juices from plants.  The larger species are about half the size of a sesame seed, although several species are even larger.  The smaller species are about the size of a poppy seed.  They range in color from light green to nearly black.  At certain times of the year, some aphids will develop wings, giving them a different appearance.  Aphids have many generations per year and populations increase rapidly.