Beetle With Massive Stinger Found in NH Could Induce Nightmares

Mother Nature keeps us guessing all the time! Just when you think you've seen it all, you spot a critter that you never knew existed. Last year, Chris Thatcher spotted a bug that really perplexed him, so he decided to share a photo of it on the U Local New Hampshire Facebook page. He said:

"Son found this beetle on driveway, was protruding a long “stinger” like thing from rear end, that went away when poked woth stick. Has orange stripped belly, anyone know what it is?? It’s around 1.75” long."

Chris Thatcher via Facebook

Well, he's a gross little fella now, isn't he?

Per usual, the Facebook community had lots of opinions. Some made sense, some did not, and some were just for laughs.

A guy name Wade declared it an "Arkansas Death Beetle."

Another dude named John conjured up this mythological tale:

"That there semi squished bug is your Saber Butt Beetle. Deadly poison, it subsists on a diet of baby birds which it skewers in the nest with the sharp spine protruding from its rear. The mythological hero Testiclees used one to kill the monster Krankapus by dropping one of these beetles in its ear while it slept."

Kimberley turned to a trusty resource on the internet called InsectIdentifcation.org, and found that this bug strongly resembles a broad-necked root borer. Its appearance is "menacing" to humans, but they are unlikely to harm us. The site says male beetles reserve their jaws to bite other males during territorial battles (typical men).

Though these big 'ole beetles come in peace, I would not be pumped to come across one in my travels. But it could happen!

7 Invasive Insect Species That Can Damage Crops and Other Plants in New Hampshire

In an effort to inform the public on the types of invasive species that are known to be found in their state, the USDA offers a handy dandy "Pest Tracker". This allows you to simply click the name of your state from the drop-down menu provided to see pictures of the different insects and weeds, along with descriptions of the type of plant life they target and the damage they can do if they're not dealt with.

Gallery Credit: Kira