Insect Identification Please :)

[bexVN]

Found in my conservatory just now. Gave me a start and I am not usually bothered by insects/ spiders etc. Looks like a huge earwig to me but curiosity finds me seeking out its proper name. I don't recall ever seeing one before. It was about an inch long.

I did attempt a google seen images looking similar which again suggested an earwig but I know this is not the same as our usual ones that we get plenty of here!

Thank you in advance. Oh and it is safe, released back into the garden (I don't do killing of insects etc just because they are in my house!)

[Google [bot]]

I think it's a mole cricket.

[rapidpete]

Its called a Devils Coach Horse beetle

Pete

[bexVN]

Thank you .

How have I never seen one before!!

Interesting diet they have! O have probably caused the death of an earthworm now because I took it back outside.

[fausTVR]

I used to know these as Coach-Horsemens beetles but the "Devil" bit fits well. They are very fiesty indeed. Haven't seen one in years. It must be terrifying to other insects.

[bexVN]

Yes it was feisty, good word for it, quick aswell!

[HewManHeMan]

I saw one of these yesterday!

Was out for a run along a dirt path, on the coast. Happened over one of these little monsters in the middle of the gravel path, and as soon as he / she saw me raised its tail in an (what I assumed was) aggressive manner.

Cool little beast.


"Superstition has been associated with this species for hundreds of years. It’s also called the Devil’s Footman, Devil’s Coachman and Coffin Cutter. One old wives’ tale suggested that when it raised its tail it was casting a curse on you."

Oh so apparently I've been cursed! I wonder if the little bd knew I'd be so complimentary about it!

Edited by HewManHeMan on Friday 25th September 11:50

[bexVN]

Me too then .

Mind you I had almost stepped on it, it was caught between the edge of my carpet and door frame. I actually rescued mine!!

[knotweed]

They're good fun to play with. They'll curl their tail up if you poke them