I know its not got feathers but does anyone know what this is? Found on Billinge hill last Thursday, I think its some kind of beetle. It was about 1" in length and 1/2" width, iridescent blue/black and with antennae that resembled beads on a string. I don't have a macro lens so it was the best I could do.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Andrew, from a quick google it looks like either a violet or black oil beetle, distinguishing between the two looks quite tricky though. I don't know anything about beetles though, hopefully someone else will be able to tell you more.

    Damian P

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  2. http://www.buglife.org.uk/sites/default/files/Join%20the%20hunt%20for%20the%20amazing%20oil%20beetles%202011_0.pdf

    Maybe a black oil beetle according to the above guide. Their life cycle is really interesting - the cuckoo of the beetle world!

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