What kind of bug is this that I found in my garage??? Pictures Provided

Question

This is the second one I have found so I thought I would find out if they were harmful to my pets or children. We just moved to NM so we are in the south west. The picture with the cat can give you some idea of the size, that is a full grown 12 lbs cat and the bug makes it look like a kitten. The strange thing is when I sweep them out of the garage the bug stops, bends its front legs, and sticks it's back/butt in the air as if it is going to either jump or sting. It does appear to have a stinger unless it's back is just shaped like that naturally. Does anyone have any idea what it is?

http://flickr.com/photos/22508609@N06/2720622031/

http://flickr.com/photos/22508609@N06/2720619155/

http://flickr.com/photos/22508609@N06/2721443778/

Answer 1

Looks like just a common beetle to me....maybe a Dor Beetle?

Answer 2

looks like a stink bug.  it'll spray some aweful smelling chemical from it's butt in defense (kinda like a skunk).

Answer 3

id trap it in a container and move it about a block away.

it looks like a beetle that i get at my cottage but if you have kids i wouldnt want them near it.

i highly doubt its poisonous but id take precautions even if it only gives a nasty bite or sting.

Answer 4

looks like a beetle. try to put something (not your hand!) near its bottom when it looks as if it's going to sting, just to see what it really does?

but it does not look harmful to me.

Answer 5

Yeah, it just looks like a beetle

Answer 6

It is a type of beetle, and beetles are mostly harmless unless someone gets really aggressive with it.  It even looks like a bombardier beetle, these can be a little more aggressive, but only when threatened directly, but to trigger its defense, you actually have to touch it and not be gentle.  

Answer 7

The family name is the Darkling beetle...Tenebrionidae.  But their common names are much more descriptive.  The circus beetle for standing on its head when it is attacked and the stink bug for the foul smelling fluid it emits when disturbed.  They are usually found under stones and dead trees but can be attracted to lights.  The black fluid will convince you cat to leave them alone but it doesn't wash off easily as I can testify from my own experience.  Sweeping them away is the easiest way to deal with them and you need not be concerned for your cat but I have no idea if the fluid would be harmful if your kids got in on their fingers and put their finger in their mouth.  My insect book give no warnings about the fluid.

Answer 8

Learn to ID them, here -

http://bugguide.net/node/view/15740

http://greennature.com/article1899.html

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

http://www.whatsthatbug.com/

http://www.insectimages.org/