No need to panic, it has just hitched a ride from the hedgerows, that's all. The great picture has made it much easier to identify.
If my book is correct then the passenger is a Sloe Bug. It's a type of shield bug that is widespread and common in Britain. Associated with blackthorn and other hedgerow shrubs and feeds on sloe and other berries.
Says it feeds on various herbaceous shrubs in my Field Guide to Wildlife of GB and Europe.
I have seen a green version of your beetle in my garden in the summer mostly - looks like a tiny leaf. Quite cute. If I see one on the window or in the house I always put it out on a leaf where it's disguised really well.
Well, my mother wanted to squash it she first said it's a vine weevil. She still wasn't convinced, so I decided to ask you guys before it went down the toilet. It is stuck under a glass at present as I'm not too fond of beetles, but still would not kill one. I will set it free tomorrow.
Thanks everyone!!
P.s. Athley is this what you have seen? Birch Shieldbug Elasmostethus interstinctus, also part of the shieldbug family.
Athley, I sort of like it a little, but I'm just too cosy to go out in the ((cold)) to set it free. The poor thing will just have to wait, hope it survives I will make it more comfortable.
Cetti, I suppose when you see the snout part you do start to think weevil. But when you are actually looking at it, it is pretty flat and there are just two main body parts.
Very very similar to the one you sent me seem to be the same family of shield beetles. Mine is also known as the stink beetle and pongs a bit if disturbed. Havn't noticed that but usually wash my hands straight away after putting in the garden.
Thanks for sharing your beetle facts with me, the are really quiet interesting little creatures aren't they. There are so many different types/species, all with different patterns/camouflage amazing lol... Sorry I'm getting a bit carried away la la la... anyway thanks!!
I found some info when i took the ('s) off the end of Palomena prasina's, when searching in Google. Doh