Michael Viney responds to your queries and observations on nature.
We spotted a large beetle scuttling over the pebbles in Castlewellan Forest Park, Co Down. When we approached it stopped dead, lifted its tail high over its back and raised its head a little.It was black, about 3-3.5cm long and had impressive scorpion-like pincers. Christina Martin, Dromore, Co Down
It was the devil's coach-horse, a rove beetle commonly called the deargadaol in Ireland.
The big horse-chestnut threw this year's crop of conkers all over the yard. Every morning they were gone. Rats? No, one dawn I saw a bold young hare gleaning before the garage door. Last night he overate and slept it off in the fuchsia-brake, where Rocky the terrier found him. A conker-fattened hare will make a fine dinner. Nick Harman, Louisburgh, Co Mayo
When driving after sunset between Maam Cross and Oughterard I was startled when a large stag and a doe deer crossed into the road. I have never seen a wild deer in Connemara. Frank Monahan, Bearna, Co. Galway
There have been several escapes from Connemara National Park which has huge ranges of mountain and woodland.
• Send observations to Michael Viney, Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. email at viney@anu.ie (include postal address)
