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As I don't know what it is, I name this caterpillar Clarence!
AC  ;)

Too late, AC; You're supposed to baptise before death!

Looks like yer common mealworm beetle larva to me Ken!

But then I'm not a fisherman!!  :)  ;D

Right, into the bug book I go.

Ken.......

Dare I ask......the length.........and girth??    ::)  ;D

...easy tiger !

Yeeuuukkkk !!

(shivers down spine at thought of creepy crawly)

but if its mealworm, then the birdies will love it for breakfast  ;D

Debs

A friend in Brussels has come across this one....any ideas? They are on the base of a lime tree and like the sun! About 6-8mm long.

Me thinks it's a firebug....but is it friend or foe?

Well, Ken, you're right, it is a Firebug, pyrrhocoris apterus, not to be confused with lygaeus saxatilis which is similar but without quite so mu red. The firebug loves lime trees and at this time of year can be seen swarming around their bases. Not very common in the UK and then only down South but quite common across Europe.
OK?

Thanks Ken, that's a lot of help, I'll pass on yout info to my mate in Brussels. Cheers.

You know what they say about people who talk to themselves Ken ;D  ;D :D

Hahaha!!! Careful Ken, folk have been certified for lesser habits !!!  ::)  ;D

Pretty little things !! Never come across one tho'. So, is it friend or foe  ???  ............and what about the insipid looking caterpillar  ???   Haway Ken, gotta finish job off !!   ;)  ;D

I picked some hyacinths which had been beaten down by the rain and when I got them inside loads of these tiny little black bugs came out of them.  Anyone know what they are ???

Thought you might like to see the hyacinths as well

Have I stumped you all with this one ??? ;D  I know the photo is not very clear but to give you a bit more info they looked shiney and were quite solid little things (not squishy like some bugs)

could they be flea beetles?  When I pick my sweetpeas I get the same thing, lots of little black beetles sitting on my mantlepiece.

Agree EJ , tho' I know them as pollen beetles. They also like daffs, so probably hyacinths as well, and they love runner bean flowers!  :)

Looks like you may be right Emma & Di.  I have noticed them coming out of the daffs as well.  I must admit I have never heard of flea beetles though.