a huge bug

Springfield, MA(Zone 6a)

i was planting an iris at a friends house and about 10 inches down in the ground i uncovered a huge black bug. i only uncovered from the chest up. This portion of it was 1 1/2 inches long. It was laying on its back. The chest was a grayish color that reminded me of a turtles underbelly. The head was round and had a neck attached to it. I saw only 2 front legs Oh yes and it was black. and Disgustingly huge. what could it be? The whole bug had to have been 3+ inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide.

my girlfriend didn't recognize it either but wondered if it might be a bug that comes out every 7 years. i don't know the name.

anyone have any ideas, i sure would like to know.
thanks debi z

p.s. i obviously didn't take it out of the hole. just through the dirt back on top and told my friend if the next hole produced another of these babies, she was on her own. :)

Westbrook, ME(Zone 5a)

Debi - According to my insect field guide, the description sounds like a "Giant Root Borer". It says it's the largest North American beetle.

Springfield, MA(Zone 6a)

thanks poppysue. well i'm not surprised it is the largest beetle. that sucker was huge. and i hate bugs.. :) well the good news is that it was outside at my girlfriends house and not inside my house. :)

i'll tell my friend your findings.
debi z

Feeding Hills, MA(Zone 5a)

Hope he can't cross the river :*)

Springfield, MA(Zone 6a)

he had a sign saying "next stop feeding hills". then i heard him say "i'm big, i'm bad and i love women named kathy". :)

Feeding Hills, MA(Zone 5a)

LOL.....running......


Will give you a call....maybe we can go on Friday to the
Daylily farm? :*)

Springfield, MA(Zone 6a)

no can do, got a docs appointment and spending time with the grandbabies. saturday?

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