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Mystery bug please help id.

Bee witchedBee witched Posts: 1,295
in Wildlife gardening
Hi folks,

Found this wee fella in the greenhouse earlier. At first I thought it was a shield bug, but it doesn't have the triangular shape and broad "shoulders". There is an orange segment near it's head, and it has a pointy tail which it can poke in and out. This is easiest to see in the snap of it on it's back.
Hope the photos load OK.

Bee x
Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders  

A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It's a bit hard to tell but I think it's a carrion beetle https://www.ukbeetles.co.uk/oiceoptoma-thoracicum
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    I agree with carrion beetle.

    The photos are underexposed because the white background has fooled the camera into thinking that there is more light than there is. It would be better to use a darker background.


  • Bee witchedBee witched Posts: 1,295
    Hi Guys,

    Yes, you are both right, it is a carrion beetle. Now I know it's not exotic I'll let it go in the garden.
    It's a nice wee thing.

    If I put it on the ground elder do you think it might eat it? Worth a try.

    Thanks for the tip about the background colour ... I'll do that next time.

    Bee x
    Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders  

    A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    If you've got a compost heap then that's probably the best place to let it go.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • Bee witchedBee witched Posts: 1,295
    Will do .... thanks.

    Bee x
    Gardener and beekeeper in beautiful Scottish Borders  

    A single bee creates just one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime
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