What is this bug?

Robert_in_NY · Aug 14, 2008

I found this bug today on a job site (actually inside a house we are finishing). He has a very long tail and a mostly yellow head and antane (sp?). I brought him home to show my daughter as she loves catching bugs which is why it is in her bug cage now. So if anyone knows, can you please let me know what it is and if it is a good bug or what?

My guess on the dimensions (he won't hold still to put a ruler to it) is the antane are around 1.25", main body is about 1.5" and the thin tail thing is about 4" long. It is a very impressive bug.

I should note, this bug was found between a woods/ravine and a pasture that is home to a bunch of heifers. I don't know if it matters or not but figure it won't hurt to state where it was found.

Robert_in_NY · Aug 14, 2008

Well I was told on Ag Talk that is an ichneumonid wasp and most are woodboring larvae predators/ parasitoids

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichneumon_wasp

MossRoad · Aug 14, 2008

I think I saw that character in some Pixar movie!

kenmac · Aug 14, 2008

looks like it would love to be out of that container

Robert_in_NY · Aug 14, 2008

kenmac said:
looks like it would love to be out of that container

He is now, I kept him till I could show Ava and get a good picture. Ava has three different bug cages, the one he was in has a maginfying glass lid so you get to see these critters up close and personal. She usually has a bug in one or two of them but they are always released after a couple hours.

tallyho8 · Aug 14, 2008

We just went to the new Insectarium in New Orleans on my birthday August 8 and I could not believe how many thousands of different bugs they had on exhibit both alive and dead. These 2 photos are not even 1/10th of 1% of their display.

Robert_in_NY · Aug 14, 2008

tallyho8 said:
We just went to the new Insectarium in New Orleans on my birthday August 8 and I could not believe how many thousands of different bugs they had on exhibit both alive and dead. These 2 photos are not even 1/10th of 1% of their display.

I know, insects are an amazing species as there are so many different types and they all have a purpose. I have always found them interesting but now I pay more attention to them because of my crops. I need to know which are good and which are bad.

kenmac · Aug 14, 2008

Robert_in_NY said:
I found this bug today on a job site (actually inside a house we are finishing). He has a very long tail and a mostly yellow head and antane (sp?). I brought him home to show my daughter as she loves catching bugs which is why it is in her bug cage now. So if anyone knows, can you please let me know what it is and if it is a good bug or what?

My guess on the dimensions (he won't hold still to put a ruler to it) is the antane are around 1.25", main body is about 1.5" and the thin tail thing is about 4" long. It is a very impressive bug.

I should note, this bug was found between a woods/ravine and a pasture that is home to a bunch of heifers. I don't know if it matters or not but figure it won't hurt to state where it

Wonder if the guy on the show Man vs Wild would eat it ??

skipro3 · Aug 14, 2008

You set it LOOSE!?!?

Man! That thing is for sure headed straight to California and into my house! I'm sure of it. Kill it!! KILL IT!!! did I mention I really hate bugs? Especially the stinging kind? Hmmmm.... I do you kkkknooowwwww.....

Robert_in_NY · Aug 15, 2008

skipro3 said:
You set it LOOSE!?!?

Man! That thing is for sure headed straight to California and into my house! I'm sure of it. Kill it!! KILL IT!!! did I mention I really hate bugs? Especially the stinging kind? Hmmmm.... I do you kkkknooowwwww.....

This wasp isn't a stinging type. The long tail section is used for laying eggs.