Readers observations
I recently saw a strange creature in a pond on Cullenagh Mountain. It was about four centimetres long and was coloured like an earwig, segmented, with the end turned up like a scorpion with pincers. The head was flat-edged with a halo in front.
Paula Byrne, Cullenagh, Portlaoise
It was the prawn-like larva of the great diving beetle.
After torrential rain, we saw an animal cruising around with its head underwater in our pond. It was about two feet long and dark brown. I went for a closer look and it jumped out and dashed into the forest.
Brian Gaffney, Ballinaclash, Co Wicklow
It was probably a mink.
We saw a fast-moving slug on a concrete path. It had a normal slug appearance, but with no tentacles and a pointed head. It moved with its back arching, pushing forward the head at a speed unusual for a slug.
Paul Mulhern, Cloone, Co Leitrim
It was the caterpillar of the elephant hawk-moth.
We found 39 jellyfish on the beach. There were four purple rings on top, and we tried to return them to the seas. How long can they survive out of water?
Dillon (eight) and Sadhbh (five) Stingemore, Roundwood, Co Wicklow
They were moon jellyfish and were already dead.
• Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.