Insect ID

Rich1010 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:15 PM

Came across this little fellow today while out fishing, it blendid in very well to its surroundings (base of dark weeds)

It played dead for a while once picked up. I tried looking at various beetles but couldn't find any that had the spike comming out from it's rear end. the whole insect was about 1"

Any ideas ?

Jim Ford · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:30 PM

Water scorpion - like this one:

Message - Wild About Britain Pics

I haven't seen one for very many years!

Jim

2dogs2000 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:34 PM

The spike is used as a breathing tube. It sticks this out of the water when diving.

Rich1010 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:47 PM

Thank you very much for your quick replies.

Have just spent some time reading up about them, amazing little bug!

I'm glad it was on my friends hand posing for a picture as I read they can give a bit of a bite

thanks again.