"One inch of velvet black malevolence"

Following an almost beetle-free summer I've been thrilled to see several Devil's Coachhorse beetles over the past few days. Maybe the fine weather has extended their mating season. 
They are fast runners and usually seen in motion, bent on escape and not aggressive unless interfered with. Who would want to? Because
 this beetle sparks a reaction of alarm even as it scuttles away, arching scorpion-like to display a segmented rear end armed with two pale poison glands like baby teeth  (see here.) It's carnivorous on other insects  but its jaws can inflict a painful bite on a human finger too. I always keep mine well away even though I enjoy the Hallowe'eny shudder the old Hoss provokes.