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Huge black Beetle (Broad-necked root borer, female)

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Broad-necked root borer, female
by: Moni

Gail
Have changed my mind, after looking at this photo again it is a female, Broad-necked root borer and the projection out the rear end is the ovipositor.
It can not sting humans. It is used to put eggs in the soil under debris.
These longhorned beetles are found in eastern N America.
The adults eat foliage and can damage fruit trees and grape vines. The larva feed on tree and shrub roots for about 3 yrs before turning into a pupa and emerging in the spring.

Here is a clearer image than yours with similar coloration and clear view of the antenna.


Predaceous Diving beetle
by: Moni

Gail
Your photo is of a predaceous diving beetle. You probably live near water!
These beetles are found in and around water. The adults will fly to lights at night, but usually are found swimming in water. The 'stinger' you saw was probably the rear legs held together in the back making it look like a stinger - see photo - http://bugguide.net/node/view/287223/bgpage
The larva and adults of these beetles feed on small fish, mosquito larvae, other aquatic invertebrates, and sometimes tadpoles and salamanders.

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