New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

 

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rgmcbrid  
Posted : Sunday, 21 August 2011 11:43:28 AM(UTC)
rgmcbrid

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I want to warn all you detectorists out there of an unforeseeable danger lurking under the surface of your local parks and playgrounds; yesterday I was busy digging up a bottle cap and reached into the half meter deep hole with my hand to scoop out the loose material that had been evading my Lesche knife. Suddenly I felt an uncomfortable sensation on the end of my little finger. Hurriedly depositing the handful of soil nowhere in particular I observed a large green beetle with its talons clamped down on the end of my finger (see photo).

These beetles are likely non-venomous, and in all honesty it didn’t really hurt that much. The danger therefore lies in who else might be present to see you scream like a little girl while running in circles wavering one arm wildly above your head. Under unfavourable circumstances this could be off-putting to a potential mate for example, and would no doubt be disconcerting to any picnickers with small children, livestock, or wildlife in the area. I would hate to see someone’s son or daughter lose all respect for them from something as minor as a beetle attack. I of course casually plucked the little fella off with my teeth and spat him over my shoulder into the woods. However I could see how this could be a real problem for a less rugged outdoorsman than myself so proceed with caution.
rgmcbrid attached the following image(s):
beetle.jpg
1864hatter  
Posted : Sunday, 21 August 2011 12:21:42 PM(UTC)
1864hatter

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I like that, personally im not quite so worried about beetles more about the shards of glass and bits of metal that have the potential to cut ones soft hands. Are you serious about the half metre depth of your hole?
And now....On sandy beaches and muddy soil, rings and coins await my coil!
rgmcbrid  
Posted : Sunday, 21 August 2011 12:46:09 PM(UTC)
rgmcbrid

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Every time I dig up a bottle cap it seems like a half a meter...
Shilo  
Posted : Sunday, 21 August 2011 4:30:00 PM(UTC)
Shilo

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So seriously, how many people heard your scream??? :)

Those beetles are specially trained and placed to guard gold rings - hope you scanned the hole again!
nzpoohbear40  
Posted : Sunday, 21 August 2011 7:37:19 PM(UTC)
nzpoohbear40

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ROFLMAO...did all of methvin hear you scream..lol...we thought we heard it hear in CHCH...hahahahaha to funny buddy.
Chris - Fisher Dealer http://www.puiakisupply.co.nz/