some form of beetle

[Paul mabbott]

Actually, in the case of rove beetles (Staphylinidae), the 'devil's coach-horses', even the worst picture would immediately tell these apart from any other beetle so always worth a go.
Their bite isn't particularly bad (compared to some of the ground beetle, for instance - not that they are likely to sever a vein) but you don't want to get your eyes next to them when they have their hind-parts raised. They blast out noxious chemicals which are strong enough to deter quite large vertebrates ..... don't suppose they would cause much damage but if you got shot in the ye it might be irritating ....

Originally Posted by D3-6u99er

sorry guys no pic possable all the cameras i have will give you a very distant picture or a close up black blob which you can just about destinguish the legs so its its pointless to show a picture but a google search for "Devil's Coach Horse Beetle" will show good quality images of the culprit, nasty looking creature when it raises its abdomen like a scorpion i was sure it was something that had been travelling with the banannas i reciently bought but thanks for the help again peeps

[nightshade]

Sorry D3, the Devils Coach Horse has always been a favourite of mine,
when I was a child it was the only insect that stood its ground and
earned my respect (as I rampaged around as children do) It is a unique
looking creature

[Stewy]

Heres a pic of one : http://www.warrenphotographic.co.uk/mdh/05777.htm