Does anyone know what kind of bug this is?

Question

I found this guy in my courtyard, I just moved to New Mexico and I am pretty much in the middle of a desert. I thought it was a locust but the head is oddly shaped because of the long "neck" I guess you would say and it has some pretty big pinchers. It was about the size of the whole palm of my hand. Just curious as to what it is. Thanks!

http://flickr.com/photos/22508609@N06/2694293057/

http://flickr.com/photos/22508609@N06/2695110874/in/photostream/

Answer 1

Be your own guide with the help of these -

http://www.einsteins-emporium.com/life/a...

http://www.whatsthatbug.com/

http://www.insectimages.org/

Answer 2

I'm not sure, but it looks like it could be a Dobsonfly.

Cool pics!

Answer 3

Its a whatchamacallit, and then a whodunit and nobodyknowsitforsure bug

no really is a dobsonfly

Answer 4

It is a Dobsonfly! They come to my porchlight and land on the wall.They are so cool.That one is a female;the males have huge mandibles,but they are so long that they can't hurt you with them!!