help with beetle ID

[rucia]

Hi,

Last night my wife an I were sat out in the garden when a strange flying insect caught our attention. I was not able to get a picture of it and i have tried searching on Google for images.

It looked like a flying T shape and was moving quite slowly, though did have little bursts of speed from side to side. When it landed it was black and shinky, thin and sleek; measuring approx 1/2 inch in length and maybe only an 1/16 inch wide. It looked as though it had two prong like things protruding from its posterior, but that could be a mistake.

Any ideas what this might have been?

[Paul mabbott]

Possibly a member of the Staphylinidae, a rove beetle? They come in many shapes and sizes.

[rucia]

Thanks Paul. That lead to a solution - it looks like it was a Devils Coach Horse beetle. Though the one i saw was quite shiny

Devil's Coach Horse | Wild About Britain

It would appear that it is capable of flight but its wings are rarely used - this makes sense as it certainly didnt look particulary elegant in its flight

Thanks again!