Beetle ID please!

Vixxx666 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 08:54 PM

Hi, we've had these beetles in our house before but only occasionally. However we are seeing them more often. I have a phobia of insects! These beetles are quite big - about 8 - 12mm long - black. They have a fairly small head and a rounded larger bottom end. The legs are fairly long and look 'spiky'. The also have what looks like what I can only describe as a snout. I think they fly but am not 100% on that! I don't really know what to search for and I am that scared I feel physically sick looking at pictures of bugs!!

I Love Nature · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vixxx666

Hi, we've had these beetles in our house before but only occasionally. However we are seeing them more often. I have a phobia of insects! These beetles are quite big - about 8 - 12mm long - black. They have a fairly small head and a rounded larger bottom end. The legs are fairly long and look 'spiky'. The also have what looks like what I can only describe as a snout. I think they fly but am not 100% on that! I don't really know what to search for and I am that scared I feel physically sick looking at pictures of bugs!!

I can only help you when I see a picture. It sounds like a female stag beetle to me but it is too small. Also it is uncommon to find stag beetles indoors.

wyevilla · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 09:48 PM

This sounds like a type of weevil - totally vegetarian and harmless. Except, of course, to their favoured food plant. They may well travel in through windows or doors but you might consider having a look in any pots of indoor plants. The larvae are likely to be grub-like and white.

Matt Smith · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 09:48 PM

Actually, the description sounds nothing like a female stag beetle - far too small and completely the wrong shape.

Sounds like a type of weevil to me. Do you have potted plants in the house, it could well be a Vine Weevil - Google "Vine weevil" and tell us if we are getting warm.

Vixxx666 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-09-2010, 09:59 PM

I have no potted plants but my garden is fairly overgrown. I have some of my windows open 24/7. They look similar to the weevil you advised me to google. I do have carpet beetles - well I used to, and have been noticing an increasing number of what I assumed were their larvae but I haven't seen a carpet beetle for a while! They are a browny colour though not white. I keep my house extremely clean as I have a a 9 month old baby!

Vixxx666 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2010, 07:26 PM

I've managed to get a picture. Sorry for the poor quality - iPhone camera's aren't the best!
If somebody can ID can i also have a little more information on it please.

Thanks.

Hedera · #7 (**permalink**) 05-09-2010, 07:37 PM

Looks very like a Vine weevil. They crawl about, not fly. they are very hard to squash!

Vixxx666 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-09-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedera

Looks very like a Vine weevil. They crawl about, not fly. they are very hard to squash!

Must of been something else flying - thats fine by me!

I did squash it and nearly threw up at the loud cruch - BLEURGH!

I gather these aren't harmful to humans?
Hopefully i'll see less after i've had my garden landscaped!

Thanks!