A Common Black Ground Beetle about 15mm, 1/2 inch, long waiting patiently until I had finished.
Next, take it back outdoors where it belongs. Went to the kitchen and fetched an empty jar kept for such occasions. Back to the bathroom in time to see it disappearing from view. Just as I was about to give up it reappeared at top speed scurrying back across the bathroom floor. Managed to plonk the upturned jar over it and slide a piece of cardboard underneath. Captured. Unlock the doors I had secured for the night. Gently tip beetle on the lawn, followed by the four legged supervisor to see what was going on. Wildlife back where it belonged. Lock up again and so to bed.
I do the same with beetles, bees, wasps, scorpions, spiders, and others. Can't bear to kill them. No problem killing the doctor flies, house flies, mosquitoes, though. Great images - the grooves on the wing covers "shimmer" as I scroll. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWilma: Here wasps don't get to escape alive as I don't trust them. The hardest 'rescue' was several years ago when I had to get a friend to remove a bat which flew along the passage and in the bedroom.
DeleteI was so pleased to read this John - so many people just kill this kind of thing if they find it indoors - why for goodness sake? It is such an easy job as you say to keep a glass and a piece of card handy for just such an occasion.
ReplyDeleteLast week I found a wood louse wandering across the hall carpet. I fetched my glass and card and you just can't believe the speed with which the creature moved to try and keep out of my way.
Weaver: There seem to be so few beetles around these days it would have been a shame not to rescue it.
DeleteI released a giant house spider from my bath, no idea where he's gone now!
ReplyDeleteSimon: Trouble is these things with many legs can really get a move on when you try to capture them.
Deletelaughing at your choice. :)
ReplyDeleteTWG: I will admit that with most situations a photo come first and a solution second.
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