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what is this bug
Found this guy on the rock wall in our yard. He was approx. 3 inches long (didn’t want to get too close w/ the tape measure). Everytime someone came close to him a long stinger would come out the back and a clear liquid would run along it to the tip. With the stinger he was approx 4 inches long. Is this bug poisonous? If there is one is there usually more? I appreciate any info. Thanks.
Denise

Hi Denise,
This looks to be a female Broad Necked Root Borer, Prionus laticollis. BugGuide has a photo that indicates scale. The stinger you mention is actually her ovipositor. Eggs are laid deep underground. According to BugGuide: “Eggs are inserted into ground (or under litter) in groups. Larvae tunnel downward to feed on living roots of a variety of trees and shrubs. At first they may feed on bark, but then proceed to hollow out small roots. Pupation occurs in spring, about 10 cm under the ground. Life cycle probably three years.” They are not poisonous. They are found in the Eastern U.S. and there are no recent reports from Florida, perhaps due to global warming. We wish you had included a location in your letter.

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