beetle larvae id needed

[elicokiz]

hi folks has anyone come across the beastie below..found in a rotting section of Birch, i'm usually pretty good at finding info but stumped on this one :blushing:its about 5cm long rear end mimics pincers?

 

thanks for any help

Dave

[Amelanchier]

Broscus cephalotes?

[elicokiz]

Broscus cephalotes?

 

Thanks for your reply Tony, forgot to say the location of the woodland is about 40 miles inland and not coastal

[Amelanchier]

Ah ok. Still think it's a ground beetle - Pterostichus melanarius perhaps?

[elicokiz]

:confused1:Sorry folks this larvae is driving me nuts ...spent over an hour trawling various sources but still can't Match this beastie with any other species even struggling recalling if the legs were prominent (thought I could count them this am but unable to see on photo) wish I had kept it? The really striking feature is what I assume are urogomphi which appear almost circular on its rear end(you have to look close) only thing I can find that looks a little similar is a robber fly larvae,but no urogomphi...please help before I reach for the whiskey and its all to late

 

Regards

Dave:thumbup: