Weird Insect!

Dee_animallover

Last week when I opened the back door there was this weird looking insect in the groove of the door. It was huge :eek: It was black and about 2 inches long with a few legs that were just around its head area. I got such a fright I just got the sweeping brush and brushed it out. I then realised that I probably should have tried to get it into a jar or something as I have never seen anything like it before. Looked around for it but couldnt see where it went. Just hope its not in the house! Sorry I didnt get a pic of it but would anyone have any idea what it was? I live in the country if that makes any difference!!

niallb

Was it one of these?

Devil's Coach Horse

Dee_animallover

Ya that looks very like it alright, thanks!

Are they common here?

niallb

I see them pretty regularly some years.
First time I saw one was about 20 years ago drowned
in the cat's milk, and it freaked me out a bit!

Half-cocked

If you think the adult is wierd looking, try googling a pic of the larvae, its the stuff of nightmares. I remember when I was about 5 my Dad dug one up in the back garden and I was afraid to go down there for ages!

123oclock

i used to see them all the time when i worked at the golf course in oldhead
they are weird looking if u got a piece of twig and went near it, it would raise its tail end kind of like a scorpion...i used love working at old head.. it was full of interesting wildlife in my time there i saw lots of lizards rare sea birds,basking sharks but the best i ever saw was a pod of orca whales the same week when they went up the river Lee i presumed they were the same whales because of the timing but that moment i can say without doubt was my favorite encounter i have had with nature. i am waffling now....

Dee_animallover

Cant believe I've never come across one before and I would do alot of gardening! Would they be likely to come into the house? The thoughts of one (or more!) of these in the house gives me the chills

mfays

Dont worry to much-the chances of seeing one again are really slim!

Connacht

Devils Coach Horse is common, but not really around the garden. I'd see them most days up in the forests and on / crossing forest tracks, though mostly in warmer weather.