I found these bugs on the out side of a building where I work. The first thing I noticed was the back side. It shines like copper in the sun. They look like prehistoric creatures. They have a very hard shell and their heads retract within their bodies. Also, they have a very long protrusion that is extended from their heads that also retract.
These are assassin bugs (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) called 'wheel bugs' (Arilus cristatus). They are general predators on other arthropods, and can deliver a very painful bite if mishandled. See www.hiltonpond.org/thisweek030901.html for detailed information.
I thank you very much for the information. This was a first for me and didn't want to touch before finding out about it.
