Insect Identification: ID a 3-4cm Long Insect

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SUMMARY

The insect identified in the discussion is a 3-4 cm long specimen with two pairs of long veined wings, resembling a dragonfly. The observer noted its motionless state and a bifurcated abdomen, leading to confusion in identification. Despite searching terms like "winged insect bifurcated abdomen" and "winged insect lobed abdomen," no conclusive identification was found. The discussion highlights the challenges of insect identification without expert knowledge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of entomology terminology
  • Familiarity with insect anatomy, specifically wing structure and abdomen types
  • Experience with online image search tools for species identification
  • Knowledge of common insect species in urban environments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "insect identification techniques" for effective methods
  • Explore "entomology resources" for amateur entomologists
  • Learn about "common urban insects" to enhance identification skills
  • Investigate "image recognition software" for biological identification
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Amateur entomologists, nature enthusiasts, urban wildlife observers, and anyone interested in improving their insect identification skills.

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We were walking down a Brooklyn sidewalk the other day under several trees when we spotted this insect lying motionless (except when the wind blew, it moved its legs a little to rotate itself). We didn't get too close, as it looked like it could give a bad sting. It has two pairs of long veined wings, like a dragonfly's, and is about 3-4 cm long, so it is much larger than an ant, even though its' body appears similar. What is it?

http://img55.imageshack.us/i/oddinsect.png/
http://img269.imageshack.us/i/oddinsectfront.png/
 
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Curious looking bug...it looks like the abdomen is split. I Googled using winged insect bifurcated abdomen, and also winged insect lobed abdomen. Didn't see anything like it.

But I'm not an entomologist...surely someone here will know it, though.
 
Thanks for the effort. If only there was a Google for image matching! :D
 

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