These are commonly known as May Bugs or June Bugs and they are very ugly and quite frightening creatures but they do not harm you. They are attracted to the light so don't leave the door or window open after dark or you will get an unwanted visitor. I do not try to kill them as they are so large they make a horrible mess. They often fall down sfter hitting the window and csn then be captured and disposed of next day. You choose the method !! I have had quite few this year and I really don't like them very much.
I tell you what though better than having this thing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Huhu_beetle_01.jpg arrive on your face in the middle of the night, I really don't miss these at all!
They seem to be the most stupid creatures ever. Never understood just how they manage to find a mate. Seem to end up on their backs waving their legs in the air unable to right themselves. Live for four years before becoming a beetle.
I was taught that they brought good luck a bit like an Egyptian Scarab. But I think this is like bird droppings, it just gives some compensation to a nasty experience.
Can remember more of them when I was a child. Not seen more than the odd one for years.
we used to get something simular in South Africa we used to call them Christmas beetles as they allways appeared in peak summer (christmas time) http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_scarabs/ChristmasBeetle.htm and then there was these bugs called bot fly and Tumbo flies http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_scarabs/ChristmasBeetle.htm