ID's anyone? (1 Viewer)

[Mouldy]

A couple of pics I could do with a bit of help on.

The first is one of about a dozen dragonfly nymph casings I found in the margins of a small woodland pond locally (Gateshead area). From reference photos ID points to southern hawker, but I'm unsure and haven't seen any adults around so anyone care to confirm ID or tell me where I've gone wrong would be well appreciated.

The second is a photo I took mid-June locally, the only thing anywhere near it in my limited reference books is a wasp beetle, but notes say this is only 16mm in length wheras this b****r was the biggest beetle I've ever seen at over twice that size. Once again any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JonSadler]

Not sure about the dragonfly but the beetle is Strangalia prob. maculata - a longhorn beetle.

Jon

 

[aeshna5]

Exuvia is probably Southern Hawker. Agree beetle looks like what most books call Strangalia maculata, but keeps getting its name changed from Strangalia to Leptura + as far as I know now Rutpela (wouldn't surprised if the taxonomists have got bored + changed it again!).

 

[Mouldy]

Thanks for the help lads, I googled the beetle and found it to resemble Strangalia quadrifasciata more than maculata, but still a bit troubled by the size, records have it as 14 - 20mm wheras this was well over 3cm (not including antennae)

 

[JonSadler]

Hi

The colouration and patterns of the Rutpela species are variable. There is a key to them the Coleopterist journal that is worth chasing for more information. And thanks Aeshna5 - you are correct about the names - I am terrible at using names changes....bad form for a Coleopterist!

Jon