05/10/09 - David Cameron, Moray

Q. I found a beetle about 20mm long, very distinctly segmented, black all over, short horns, when disturbed raised its tail section in the manner of a scorpion.

A. This is a Devil's Coach Horse Beetle (Ocypus olens). It belongs to the large family of beetles known as the Rove Beetles. It is one of our larger beetles, usually about 25-30mm long. Raising it's posterior end gave it its other common name, the Cock-tail Beetle. It is a highly voracious predator and is desirable to have in the garden as it can help control snail - one of its favourite foods! However, it will also eat carrion.

30/09/09 - Brian Clews

Q. Is there a means by which I could send a picture of a beetle that I cannot find in my guidebook? It looks very ladybird-like but was bigger and I can't find any illustrations of this type of marking, even for the Harlequin.

A. This is the Harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis colour form 'spectabilis'. It is similar to the melanic form of the 2-spot ladybird, Adalia bipunctata but bigger and the front two red spots do not extend to the front of its elytra (wing-cases) as in A. bipunctata. For more information go to the Harlequin Ladybird Survey website.

30/03/09 - Sarah Beynon

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24/09/08 - Lee Taylor, Pembrokeshire

Q. I have found a strange looking caterpillar it is about 3in long & has big eyes on its head with a soft barb like thing at the rear its brown & has fang like teeth 3/4 rows?

A. This is most likely to be the caterpillar of the elephant hawkmoth. It will overwinter as a chrysalis and emerge next year as a beautiful bright pink and tan moth - really very spectacular.

23/09/08 - David Mahoney, Scottish Highlands

Q. Large noisy beetle flew into the kitchen and onto some clothes on the pulley. The width of a fifty pence piece, All black apart from a deep crimson 'scarf' on its wing covers and some bright gold armpits. Red flowery things on the end of its stalks on its face. Kind regards, David.

A. I wonder whether the beetle you mention could be a type of beetle known either as a Carrion, Sexton or Burying Beetle. I have attached a photo to the email for you to have a look at. If it's different, at least we now have something to compare it to and you could perhaps let me know how the beetle you saw differs.

REPLY. Hi Sarah, identified the beetle last night. I buries itself into dead animals (carrion,as you said) and does unspeakable things with the flesh yeugh!!. I do love the sight and will try to send a photo' once the computer's fixed. kindest regards from the north of scotland, David Mahoney.

09/07/08 - Alix Roberts, Hertfordshire

Q. Hi, today I found a beetle in my salad. It's black and shield-shaped, with red and whitey-yellow symmetrical markings on the back. The yellow bit looks like an upside-down wishbone.  I'd like to identify it for interest only. I live in Hertfordshire.  Would it be ok to send it to you, and if so how would I package it? Thanks.

A. This is not a beetle, it is actually a Shieldbug or Hemipteran. It must have been imported from Europe, as it is not a British resident. I will get to work on getting a species name on it. Check out the Bug Page.

 22/06/08 - Rekella Clarke, Kent

Q. Hi i found some beetles hatching out of a brood of eggs found on the underside of a leaf. Now everything i read says beetles hatch as larvae, but these are simply miniture beetles, very similar to ladybird appearance. I have taken a picture and can email it to you when you respond. I will try to keep them for awhile to get another photo of them as they get bigger, but as I don't know if they will eat my plant or if their food source is another insect not sure how long I could keep them without leading to their demise. Thanks in advance for your reply.

A. These are not beetles, but Hemiptera (bug) nymphs hatching from eggs, hence not looking like larvae but rather minature adults (minus wings). They are in the Pentatomidae family, but it is imposiible to tell what species they are when they are nymphs, so do send another photo if you find an adult.

03/06/08 - Francis Burns, Derbyshire

Q. Hi, I found a beetle in my recycling stuff and I'm struggling to id it. I live in Derbyshire. It was around 25mm long with an oval shaped back, mostly dark brown and dark red colouring, most distinctive is the pointy bottom to the shell. I have some unclear pictures if you need them, any ideas?  Thanks.

A. This is a Cockchafer, Melontha melontha.

04/06/08 - Richard Bond, Ibiza

Q. I have a photo of a very distinctive Beetle that I an unable to identify. Would it be possible for you to let me email it to you or someone who can spot it for me?  Many thanks.

A. This is a bug (Hemipteran) rather than a beetle and is a type of Assassin Bug.