Friend or foe?

[Suru]

Whilst digging over our new plot today,I came across the most beautiful beetle.It was about an inch long and  very shiny and copper coloured.It disappeared before I could get a better look.Can anyone identify it please and hopefully confirm that its a friend!
            Best wishes Sue :)

[Suru]

[redimp]

The general rule is friends move fast because they have to chase their food whereas foe move slowly as they just sit there munching leaves or sucking sap.

Possibly a common tiger beetle which are carnivorous therefore a friend.

[Robert_Brenchley]

The common British tiger beetle is green, so it wasn't that. But if it moved fast it was probably a predator.

[Suru]

Many thanks for your replies .I've seen a photo of a tiger beetle and it definitely was'nt one of those.Anyway I've found a good beetle identification site,so I can have a look at that.If I see another I shall try and get a picture!
All the best Sue :)

[redimp]

Please post a link to your beetle id site.

[Suru]

 Here we are redclanger.Its www.coleopterist.org.uk.Hope its of interest.
                         Best wishes Sue

[redimp]

Thanks Sue - looks very good except for the annoying way that they use frames - urgh!