Angus the American beetle in quarantine

Sunday 28 April 2024

A beetle that hitched a ride in a box from the United States is currently in quarantine at the GSPCA.

'Angus' is a short-winged blister beetle and it's thought he came all the way from Pennsylvania in the US.

“We see all sorts of things arrive at the GSPCA and we never know what will be next," said the Manager of the GSPCA, Steve Byrne.

“A family recently bought a playhouse from a shop in Guernsey and when they opened the box which was from the State in the US originally they discovered what we believe is a Meloe Angusticollis or more commonly known as a short-winged blister beetle.

“We believe it is male as he keeps leaving oily spots which the males do to deter predators.”

Angus joins a list of exotic animals that have made the trip to Guernsey from far flung lands, a list that includes snakes and lizards.

“Angus is in quarantine at the GSPCA with a selection of greens which they would eat in the wild," continued Mr Byrne.

“We don’t rehome many insects but we always have animals in need of a home and to register your interest in adopting an animal from the GSPCA please [head ONLINE]."