The insect is a box elder bug (most likely) and definitely a Hemipteran.
Google box elder bug and you'll get a ton of info - they are real common.

--
Mike LaMana, MS, CTE
Consulting Forester & Arborist
Heartwood Consulting Services, LLC
Toms River, NJ
www.HeartwoodConsulting.net



"Mack McKinnon" wrote in
message news
These critters -- about half an inch long -- have been all over my Austin,
Texas yard and garden since last Spring.
Anyone able to ID for me?

http://televisionadvertising.com/images/insect.jpg

mack
austin