a giant beetle bug




























I actually have no idea what type of bug this is. it seems like I see one somewhere on long island every couple of years. it was moving so fast up this tree when I first started photographing him. then he suddenly slowed down and tried to cram his head under a piece of bark. I have a feeling he sensed a larger being invading his space which may explain that rather pointy orange tail that appeared out of nowhere.

"If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos."
~ Edward O. Wilson 

I do my best not to harm any insects. well, except for mosquitoes.

Comments

Babzy.B said…
great macro ; i'm impressed by the orange tail !
Pat said…
Did a quick Google, but no results. No idea what it is, but that little dagger is very ominous.
Unknown said…
It really looks big and threatening.
Costas
Marlene said…
Great shot, but gives me the creeps.
Daryl said…
EWWWWWWWWW ... great shot.... I hope you had a long lens!
Lois said…
He looks a little scary!
Fred Miller said…
One of John Steinbeck's characters in his novel Cannery Row said that bugs stick their tails in the air when they're praying.
Thérèse said…
I have one on my desk (in a little jar, don't start worrying!) and last year I photographed it next to a quarter... it was so big! Someone gave me it's name: it's a palo verde beetle (if it is the same)
Anonymous said…
This is a fabulous photo, if I do say so myself.
- Ian
Alexa said…
Well, I can hardly top praise from Ian—if that's YOUR Ian. I mostly try not to harm any living thing, but have to draw the line at water bugs—and wouldn't like to find this guy in my house either!
Janie said…
Ooo, cool bug!

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