A New Pond Beastie?

[debbiem]

I couldn't take a photo of this, it would've been impossible. But while I was cleaning out my pump in my wildlife pond yesterday I found a beetle inside the pump, it must have gone in there of its own volition. It look quite prehistoric, about half an inch long and very much like a wood louse but longer and blacker, and had longer beetle kind of legs. It took ages to get it out of the pump as it was resolute on staying there but I eventually turfed it out into the pond.
But I'm really excited about this, sad but true. Any new resident in the pond (frogs mating in there galore right now) is welcome - I think. It had that parquet flooring kind of pattern of prehistoric beetles and woodlice, half an inch long but slimmer than a woodlouse with insect legs and antennae, and black in colour.
Does anyone recognize this description?I know it's not a lot to go on. And more importantly, friend or foe?

[Sleepy]

debbiem said:

I couldn't take a photo of this, it would've been impossible. But while I was cleaning out my pump in my wildlife pond yesterday I found a beetle inside the pump, it must have gone in there of its own volition. It look quite prehistoric, about half an inch long and very much like a wood louse but longer and blacker, and had longer beetle kind of legs. It took ages to get it out of the pump as it was resolute on staying there but I eventually turfed it out into the pond.
But I'm really excited about this, sad but true. Any new resident in the pond (frogs mating in there galore right now) is welcome - I think. It had that parquet flooring kind of pattern of prehistoric beetles and woodlice, half an inch long but slimmer than a woodlouse with insect legs and antennae, and black in colour.
Does anyone recognize this description?I know it's not a lot to go on. And more importantly, friend or foe?

If it is a diving beetle is is serious bad news Debbie - foe

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adephaga

www.dkimages.com/discover/Home/Animals/Invertebrates/Arthropods/Insects/Beetles/Families/Predacious-Diving-Beetles/Giant-Diving-Beetle/Adults/Adults-10.html

They are verocious predators

[debbiem]

Thanks Sleepy but the pattern's different on that one, thank goodness!
But it could be this one, but I'm sure the legs weren't like that of a wood louse;
web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/pond-dip/pondbugs.htm#funny

If it is a waterlouse that is just not fair! Not only the kids but the pond too's got nits. ;D

Seriously though, that would be OK, as they're one of the good guys.
That's if it IS one of those.

[Sleepy]

debbiem said:

Thanks Sleepy but the pattern's different on that one, thank goodness!
But it could be this one, but I'm sure the legs weren't like that of a wood louse;
web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/pond-dip/pondbugs.htm#funny

If it is a waterlouse that is just not fair! Not only the kids but the pond too's got nits. ;D

Seriously though, that would be OK, as they're one of the good guys.
That's if it IS one of those.

Except for Great Diving Beetles all pond life is good imo, despite the names.

It is an environment where snails and water-fleas and bugs are all welcome and a delight to watch

The frogs will be having their orgy in there within the next week or two.

[debbiem]

admin said:

debbiem said:

Thanks Sleepy but the pattern's different on that one, thank goodness!
But it could be this one, but I'm sure the legs weren't like that of a wood louse;
web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/pond-dip/pondbugs.htm#funny

If it is a waterlouse that is just not fair! Not only the kids but the pond too's got nits. ;D

Seriously though, that would be OK, as they're one of the good guys.
That's if it IS one of those.

Except for Great Diving Beetles all pond life is good imo, despite the names.

It is an environment where snails and water-fleas and bugs are all welcome and a delight to watch

The frogs will be having their orgy in there within the next week or two.

They've already started, for at least two weeks. ;D Lots of activity there. ;D
Getting some action from my pond plants too this year would be a coup too. ;D

[Sleepy]

debbiem said:

admin said:

Except for Great Diving Beetles all pond life is good imo, despite the names.

It is an environment where snails and water-fleas and bugs are all welcome and a delight to watch

The frogs will be having their orgy in there within the next week or two.

They've already started, for at least two weeks. ;D Lots of activity there. ;D
Getting some action from my pond plants too this year would be a coup too. ;D

Ahhh... but you're right down South, so will be 2 to 3 weeks ahead of us Northerners

[debbiem]

They're having a croaking good time, whatever. ;D

[debbiem]

I think that's him, The witch - thanks.