help! never seen anything like this in my life

[JonSadler]

Hi

Definately an oil beetle and they are 8 UK species which are, as already stated, becoming rare in the UK (3 are presumed extinct but one of these was an immigrant - mediterraneus Müller, 1925). If my memory serves me correct there is a nice key to them in the British Wildlife Magazine. I'll see if I can find the details when I am next in my office at work.

While I am it this magazine has some terrific articles and features in including new keys. Everything is beautifully illustrated and all for a yearly subs of less than a reasonable - good night out in the pub (depending upon how much you can drink, of course).

Regards
Jon

[JonSadler]

One final thought. It appears to have a constriction on the thorax so might be M. violaceus, but I need to refresh my mind with the key.

Jon

[JonSadler]

I found the details of the key:

Alex Ramsay (2002) British Wildlife, Vol 14, No 1, 27-30.

Jon

[Paul mabbott]

The map shows the records for the most "common" species (M. proscarabaeus) so this is well worth reporting to the Derbyshire or Sorby recorders ...

NBN Gateway: Meloe proscarabaeus grid map

[bugbotherer]

If you're in the Peaks it would also be a nice to let the Park Authority ( www.peakdistrict.gov.uk - Peak District National Park Authority
) know. Rhodri Thomas (rhodri.thomas@peakdistrict.gov.uk) is someone who would know what to do with the data. It also means there's a good chance of having a decent bee population in the area as well.

[blagpuss]

i now have the exact location grid reference of where i took this pic, care of google earth for anyone interested

53degrees 23'57.75" N
1degree 53'57.75" W

[blagpuss]

Originally Posted by bugbotherer

If you're in the Peaks it would also be a nice to let the Park Authority ( www.peakdistrict.gov.uk - Peak District National Park Authority
) know. Rhodri Thomas (rhodri.thomas@peakdistrict.gov.uk) is someone who would know what to do with the data. It also means there's a good chance of having a decent bee population in the area as well.

emails sent today

[blagpuss]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

The map shows the records for the most "common" species (M. proscarabaeus) so this is well worth reporting to the Derbyshire or Sorby recorders ...

NBN Gateway: Meloe proscarabaeus grid map

dunno how to get in touch with them

[bugbotherer]

Originally Posted by blagpuss

dunno how to get in touch with them

Rhodri knows them..

[blagpuss]

Originally Posted by bugbotherer

Rhodri knows them..

ah that's alright then coz i corresponded with him yesterday thanks buddy