Insect ID please

Malcolm Fraser · #1 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 10:14 PM

This gave me a surprise the other morning, he's around 5cm long, sorry for the out of focus photo.

Can anyone help ID him?

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 10:25 PM

Staphylinid beetle, or Rove beetle, 5cm is huge! Not sure what is that size.

Janet

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 10:53 PM

Evening Malcolm,

I'd go for the Devil's Coach-horse Beetle Staphylinus olens.

Take care,

Jason

JRsbugs · #4 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Evening Malcolm,

I'd go for the Devil's Coach-horse Beetle Staphylinus olens.

I was tempted to say that Jason, the size is perhaps over estimated? It is the largest we have, but still only 20-28mm.

http://thewcg.org.uk/Staphylinidae/0429G.htm

ladyhawk · #5 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 11:25 PM

Agree with Jason, i found a large one in my kitchen last year fierce looking thing

Gerel · #6 (**permalink**) 15-03-2010, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Evening Malcolm,

I'd go for the Devil's Coach-horse Beetle Staphylinus olens.

Take care,

Jason

Ocypus olens now I think (unless its changed again, in which case apologies Jason)

32mm is the max. length I've heard of.

Malcolm Fraser · #7 (**permalink**) 15-03-2010, 09:33 AM

Thanks for the ID - sorry for exaggerating the size - it was fearsome looking!