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Nibbler
14-Aug-09, 17:04
Hi Everyone

Never posted in this bit before but I have a query and I was hoping someone on here could help.

My Dad had an Italian manufactured car and in the sealed tail light compartment was a visitor. (Unfortunately, dead.)

Anyone any ideas as to what bug/beetle this is:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb156/deeker_01/DSC00212.jpg

Many thanks

shnoman
14-Aug-09, 17:48
Its a bombardier beetle

bigskelf
15-Aug-09, 09:44
Looks more like a longhorn beetle, the square "shoulders" on the wing cases are quite distinctive. Could be Rhegium bifasciatum
It has similar patterning to bombardier, but it's wing cases are more rounded towards the thorax

bigskelf
15-Aug-09, 09:46
I've also just noticed that you can just make out the spikes on the thorax, which are also quite useful for identification

Nibbler
15-Aug-09, 10:24
Thank you shnoman and bigskelf.

Sorry the photo is not very clear but it was in the tail light of a car. The car was manufactured in Italy - if that helps any.

I did read up about the bombadier beetle - its got a good defence mechanism.

Thanks again people :)

bigskelf
15-Aug-09, 10:45
Here's a shot of something similar I took last summer in my Garden
http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu322/bigskelf/longhorn.jpg

Nibbler
15-Aug-09, 14:18
Hi bigskelf

That certainly looks like it. You definately got a better picture than I did.

Do you happen to know offhand if they are native to Europe??

Thanks again for all your help

bigskelf
15-Aug-09, 15:04
yup, common in central and northern Europe. larvae feed predominantly on coniferous trees. I see them quite regularly.

Nibbler
17-Aug-09, 09:16
Thanks bigskelf. Your info is much appreciated :)