Can Anyone Identify this Bug

[Nibbler]

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:



Many thanks

[shnoman]

Its a bombardier beetle

[bigskelf]

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]

I've also just noticed that you can just make out the spikes on the thorax, which are also quite useful for identification

[Nibbler]

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]

Here's a shot of something similar I took last summer in my Garden

[Nibbler]

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]

yup, common in central and northern Europe. larvae feed predominantly on coniferous trees. I see them quite regularly.

[Nibbler]

Thanks bigskelf. Your info is much appreciated