Unknown insect

[JamieL]

Hi, I want to post pictures of an insect that I have over the last 6 years come across in my house. (never seen more than one at a time). It has always been at the back patio door of my house and when a conservatory was added within it as well.

They are always the same size, and as you can see they seem to bring its tail up over its head like a sort of scorpion and has pincers at the front. Quite aggressive when you go near it.

Ive never come across this growing up and so it puzzles me exactly what it is.

How do I post a pic?

Jamie Lindsay

[goosey]

Hello Jamie, welcome to wab! Your insect sounds a bit like a common earwig but without a photo, it's hard to say. Have a look at the link below to help you add a photo to your post. .

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/wi...es_forum_posts

[clicka15]

Hi Jamie.

Sounds like it's probably an earwig, but it could be a Devil's Coach Horse, which is a type of rove beetle, quite sinister-looking, black, and probably about 2-3 cm long. Check this pic from the WAB Gallery (it's not mine - it was posted by Juliejam):




Where do you live (i.e. local habitat)? The above beetle likes leaf litter.

Steven.

PS: welcome to WAB!

[JamieL]

Thats exactly what it is.....a Devils Coach Horse....... and yes it is a little aggressive looking.......neither my dad or any friends/neighbours had ever seen one before.

So are they quite harmless... I have always found them in the conservatory of my house, never seen one outside.

I live on the coast in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Many thanks and any advice or info about them would be appreciated.