Do we have an entomologist out there? What the heck is this?

[mobs00]

The following pics I took with my crappy Nokia phone on a hike near the Mountains in CNX. I really wish I had a camera. Anyway I have yet to identify this bug.

It is about 5-6" long. It is some sort of beetle. The body is similar to that of a grasshopper without the large legs. It has six legs, long antennae, and what looks like a large stinging apparatus on it's back end. When approached it reared up its outer shell show the beautifully patterned blue and black wings. The outer body was a dark brown and yellow pattern as shown. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a pic with the wings folded.

So any ideas???? It really was a cool looking bug and they way it defended itself was amazing.

[Rural Surin]

Perhaps a moth of some variety?

[Perota]

When you took the picture, were you anywhere near a nuclear facility, chemical dumping ground ...

Sorry, absolutely no idea what it can be, but a very nice looking bug anyway.

[mobs00]

^^ Not a moth as it has a hard outer shell.

[Johnny Longprong]

It looks like a type of Tiger Beetle. You might have seen it post coitus and the thing out the back might be some sort of mating apparatus. It may have been spreading it's wings to take off but was too buggered?

[mobs00]

^ It didn't look like it's back end was used as a stinger so you are probably correct there. It was definitely a defense mechanism as it spread it's wings only when approached and never fluttered them or made like it was taking off.

[Happyman]

5" - 6"long ??
Probably a sparrow going to a fancy dress ball !
Seriously though I have had a skim through my "bugs in asia" file and can't find anything that big or even looking like it !

So what is it BurashkaChe ?????[

[Jet Gorgon]

Hmm, almost looks like two bugs, one on top of the other. I woulda said moth too, but too many legs. Just rang a bio bud but he's out. Will try later.

[mordred]

I don't know what it is, but it sure looks cool. I hope you didn't smush it.

[BenDoverMax]

wonder how well it fries up?

some of my Issan cuties would devour it in no time. bless their little hearts... the closest I've come is frogs in a pepper/chilly mix (Issan dish?). too long to recall.

[Panda]

Looks like a beetle of some kind.

[mobs00]

With some help from www.thaibugs.com I finally found out what this insect is.

admin May 19, 2011 at 1:39 am
Yes, it’s Sanaa intermedia (Tettigoniidae). I have some pictures on the katydid page. It’s a pretty spectactular insect!

Taxonomy info here: Taxa display

[ENT]

A cricket in drag.