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Photo#663678
This monster got into the kitchen and frightened a beautiful 4-year-old girl.  Prionus sp.? - Prionus imbricornis

This monster got into the kitchen and frightened a beautiful 4-year-old girl. Prionus sp.? - Prionus imbricornis
Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA
June 23, 2012
Size: ca.2 inches
I heard a loud shriek, followed by "bu ... bu ... BUG!!" She ran into the living room and flew into her grandfather's arms, trying to climb up on his shoulders to get as far away from the floor as possible. The look of terror on her face was palpable and heartbreaking. The villain, I believe, is a species of Prionus. I got her calmed down and we bravely picked the animal up in a paper towel. She got close enough to remark how long his "feelers" were. Just before I released the critter to the back yard, through the door I had had open for the dog, it bit me on a knuckle joint.

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This monster got into the kitchen and frightened a beautiful 4-year-old girl.  Prionus sp.? - Prionus imbricornis This monster got into the kitchen and frightened a beautiful 4-year-old girl.  Prionus sp.? - Prionus imbricornis This monster got into the kitchen and frightened a beautiful 4-year-old girl.  Prionus sp.? - Prionus imbricornis

Moved
Moved from Beetles.

Move based on Bruce Getty's ID. I'm not entirely clear on the separation of this species with that of P. debilis. That species should be more midwestern and not eastern in distribution, though.

Prionus
With that many antenna segments, less than 25, but more than 12
would make it a P. imbricornis. Sure hope the experience does not
discourage your little 4-year old from being curious about critters.

 
She got curious about another one we found later.
She understood that the beetle was harmless. We agreed that it was a big one, though. All is well.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

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