Identify this beetle like bug with pic

[swingerofbirch]

I've had a bucket of water outside for my dog. He stays indoors but sometimes is outside with me, and I put it out there in case I ever forgot him outside in our yard. Anyhow, I came across this insect in it several days ago. I saw it floating there and thought it was dead. Then today--several days later--I noticed it was swimming in the water (well not swimming, but moving a bit). I am squeemish about these things so I got my sister to take it out with a broom and amazingly it walked around on the ground as if nothing had happened. We debated about whether to kill it or not. Both of us are vegetarians and don't like killing things. But we were worried it might be a cockroach which I guess have diseases. The reason to be concerned is that this water bucket was right next to the door of our house. We eventually decided to sweep it into the grass.

FYI: it was in total about two inches long, maybe a little more.

For future reference, does anyone know what it is?

 

[dodong]

Looks like a cockroach to me. I don't think cockroaches have diseases. Flies and mosquitoes are the ones to watch out for.

If it is a beetle or a bug, I think they are safe.

 

[OutThere]

I would say it's definitely not a roach. Roaches are pretty distinctive.

It's just some sort of beetle, not to worry. No need to kill it if you don't want to. We have many beetles around here that look like that; they come out in the summertime.

This is a roach:

 

[FredAkbar]

I'd say these are the main ones to watch out for (yes, crabs too!):

 

[corywoolf]

I prefer them crispy.

 

[blueicedj]

it looks a lot to me like a California hissing beetle, should be harmless. What sounds does it make?

 

[MACDRIVE]

That's definitely a beetle of sorts; I'm sure it's harmless. Beetles are my favourite kind of bugs.

 

[bousozoku]

It looks like a baby Palmetto bug.

 

[Joshua8o8]

Looks like a cockroach to me. I don't think cockroaches have diseases. Flies and mosquitoes are the ones to watch out for.

If it is a beetle or a bug, I think they are safe.

are you kidding be? cockroaches are loaded with diseases... i think? They must have diseases, they eat doo-doo! i would say there up there with flies and mosquitoes. Im glad i live in hawaii, i have never seen a two inch beetle here, and im glad there are no real snakes here as well, and bears, and crocodiles & alligators, but we do have sharks!

 

[swingerofbirch]

Thx for the help! It made no sound. It was remarkably resilient however.