[LilacSandy]

I have three parsnip plants that are producing seeds for next year, I notice that there are orange beetles? mating and seem to be laying eggs on them, anyone know what they are and are they a problem.

[sunshineband]

They are not a problem, Sandy. They are likely to be soldier beetles, as seen here:

http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/red-soldier-beetle

[LilacSandy]

Thanks Sunny, that is what they are.   They seem to love the parsnip plants, so I will leave a couple again next year, anything that eats aphids, slugs and snails is very welcome on my patch.