beetle or cockroach

[gatboy]

i have seen some beetles or cockroaches walking around my garden, ther are quite big approx one inch long and half inch wide . pincers on the front.

are they dangerous to my kids or plants, thanks

[curlyfilm]

sounds like they are stag beetles, which are harmless

[raysparx]

Hi, I would agreewith curly,Iv'e never seen a cockroach out in the garden,they like the warmth and the dark.

[Thunderbird+]

Before seeing your other answers, my first thoughts where 'Devils coach horse' which can nip if you touch them. But yes I agree stag beetles look likely, very impressive creatures. Do they have hard wing-cases?

[Champagne]

Stag beetles are lovely! You're lucky to have them in your garden because they're a rare sight in Britain! They'll only be around up until August and will be in your garden because you probably have some wood about (the larvae feed off rotting wood you see). The adults won't damage anything in your garden though, so your plants are fine.

Just don't let your kids put their fingers between those pincers though. I did when I was a kid and it bloomin' hurt! It actually drew blood!

[WendyS]

Yes, agree with the others that they are probably stag beetles. They're lovely creatures, quite harmless and quite spectacular to see in flight as they are almost the size of a tiny bird when flying with wings outstretched. Please don't harm them. You're really lucky to have them in your garden. They're apparently becoming quite rare in certain parts because of loss of habitat. Tell your kids to enjoy them because they could well become extinct in their lifetime.