Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I just got back from Cyprus and whilst there, during a heavy rain storm, I found a very large bug in my room. As I've never seen anything like it before in 56 years I hoped one of you might be able to identify it from my description.
It was mid brown in colour; had a head, thorax and abdomen; the overall length was about 3" and the abdomen was about 50% of the insects size. It was about 1" wide at the largest part of the abdomen and appeared to have only six legs. The front pair were held alongside the head and were serrated underneath like a saw. There were four spikes sticking out of the rear of the abdomen. The head was small and a bit like a grasshopper. The head and body appeared to be hard, like armour.
I picked it up in a paper serviette and it either chewed or ripped it's way through it in seconds, leaving a small round hole through which it escaped.
I would really appreciate any help in identifying this as I have never seen anything like it.
Thanks to all who answer.

It would greatly help if you post a picture.

You can also try to ID it using bugguide.net or do a search of the insects from Cyprus.

Good thought! Unfortunately, it was a bit too quick for me and I couldn't get to my camera quick enough.
Thanks for the tips, I'll give them a try.

Just taking a WAG, but it could be a cicada or phasmid indigenous to Cyprus. If you find out, please post the ID.

I've tried the links you suggested but no luck so far.
I don't think it was a ciccada because there was no sign of wings or the longer legs. Also I've seen ciccadas in places all over southern Europe and this didn't look like anything I've ever seen before. In fact it looked b%*^d# nasty!!
It seemed to be ground based and pretty quick on its feet and very aware of its surroundings as it hid under my shoes several times as I tried to catch it.