Bug ID, UK

[htcdude]

Could someone please ID this bug I found next to my house this morning?



Also in this pic it it pooping on me or is it some sort of defense thing??


Thanks!

Nige

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Nige,

It's a Ground Beetle, Carabidae family. Either Leistus spinibarbis or L. fulvibarbis - separated best by physical examination.

Take care,

Jason

[htcdude]

Thanks for that Jason!

What should I look for to tell them apart?

Nige

[Jason Green]

I'm not too certain, actually. I've named one provisionally, but had better get the key before stating anything. Maybe Paul or Klaas will step-in here.

If you get the chance to observe these again, look for the 'cage' under the head; a set-up of ventral spines that it uses to trap Springtail prey.

[htcdude]

OK kool thanks for that

Nige

[Klaas Reißmann]

Good evening,

seems to be, that the third limb of the antennae is shorter than the fivth limb. That fits with my stomak feeling that this is more Leistus rufomarginatus and the bright blue colour is a mixture of technical problem and the light blue colouring on black of L. rufomarginatus. But that's not for sure. A better definition of the image would help.

Regards
Klaas

[htcdude]

Unfortunately these are the only images I have I'll try and find it again (it was there again last night) and take some better pictures, but I don't think my camera can do much better with the lenses I have

Thanks!

Nige