Eye on Nature

I found a strange insect under a dry mat in my garage. I thought it was a cockroach but it raised its rear end just like a scorpion. It was an evil-looking customer.

Godfrey O'Callaghan, Dundalk, Co Louth.

It was a rove beetle called the devil's coachhorse or, in Ireland, the deargadaol. It is harmless to humans but lives on other insects. In a recent frosty spell, I found two 14spot ladybirds frozen to the surface of the dogs' drinking water, which is under a spruce tree. I brought the piece of ice into the house where it thawed out, releasing the pair apparently none the worse for wear.

Mervyn Gawley, Enniscrone, Co Sligo

Some insects have a substance called glycerol in their blood which acts as a kind of anti-freeze in the lower register of freezing conditions. Others have a layer of wax beneath their hard carapaces which also seems to protect them. Ladybirds undoubtedly have some such protectors.

Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. email: viney@anu.ie. Observations sent by e-mail should be accompanied by postal address.