Very large black bug id

gillwrig · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 10:39 PM

Hi

Can anyone id this massive bug we found in a garden on Isles of Scilly - it was truly a monster

Thanks

Gill

Phoebe · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 10:44 PM

It looks like an Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabeus) usually 2-3 cm but this looks much larger

Action_Man · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 10:47 PM

I hope thats not a dinner plate

...

Phoebe · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action_Man

I hope thats not a dinner plate

...

LOL... i hope it's a very small saucer!

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 10:49 PM

Hi Gill,

It looks like a Blister/Oil Beetle from the Meloidae family.

Kayleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoebe

LOL... i hope it's a very small saucer!

It is the inner ring of a large dinner plate

Phoebe · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2009, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

It is the inner ring of a large dinner plate

LOL

momji1971 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 07:27 AM

this thing was about 3" at least. And that is an honest estimate. thats not a saucer but a small side plate!

Glad we had the plate as reference as its quite easy to over estimate insect size when you're all excited!.

regards.
Stu.

gillwrig · #9 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 09:17 AM

Yup I can agree with hubby it was huge - it was being eyed up by a hungry looking blackbird

col188 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 09:38 AM

Looking at the pic .......thought this was going to be a thread, on how nutritious, full of protein, environmentally friendly and protective of the ozone layer bugs were

.................................. compared to Roast Beef horseradish sauce, baked potatoes, Yorkshire pud, a light sprinkling of greens and rich brown gravy.