Black beetle i.d. please

[Miss Caretaker]

Evening folks! I saw this large beetle whilst walking my butterlfy transect a fortnight ago in North Hants. It was rather a large beastie and was crawling over the bracken. I am utterly useless with beetles, esp all black ones and the nearest I can get is a click beetle of some type!




Thanks, Jo

[kitscot]

Hi!

On looking at your photographs my first thought was that it is Hemicrepidius hirtus; a click beetle. On going through my key to click beetles I am still of a mind to go with my first instinct. As I am sure you are well aware, making an id on most insects without the specimen is difficult and, no insult intended, the photos are a little blurred. I'm sorry I cannot make a positive 100% id.
Hope this helps in some way.

Regards

Kit

[Miss Caretaker]

Thankyou, I'm not offended about the photos being blurred , it's only a point and shoot camera and my hands aren't always steady ! Thankyou for taking the time to look and welcome to WAB!
Jo

[kitscot]

Thank you for that warm welcome

Kit