Parasitic wasp shots.

[MuskyDude]

Last night while waiting outside for "Mo" the pizza delivery guy I noticed this rather long and skinny wasp buzzing around a tree. Ran inside and grabbed my camera and took these. They're not good macro shots I know, but I'm glad I could at least try. I've googled and haven't seen anything quite like it, anyone?

The wasp...

http://img135.echo.cx/img135/5247/waspsm3ga.jpg


The long wispy tail was actually some type of depositor...

http://img135.echo.cx/img135/6498/waspvsm9bv.jpg


Then this transparent thing popped out as it reached the target...

http://img135.echo.cx/img135/3922/waspiism1cv.jpg


Closer...

http://img135.echo.cx/img135/8582/wasptailsm5oa.jpg


One more...

http://img135.echo.cx/img135/8942/waspvism0ow.jpg


Clearly it was laying eggs on some type of living host, but what?



AJ

[Lord Vetinari]

Very good shots of an amazing subject. Never seen anything like it, so can't help with ID.

Love the bit on the end of the body- guess it coils it's ovipositor in there when not in use.

Brian V.

[DoctorIt]

very cool and peculiar subject! i've also never seen a bug that can do anything like that with its rear end :D

[MuskyDude]

Very good shots of an amazing subject. Never seen anything like it, so can't help with ID.

Love the bit on the end of the body- guess it coils it's ovipositor in there when not in use.

Brian V.
Thanks Brian, I'm like yourself and have never seen anything like it before. :dunno

AJ

[MuskyDude]

very cool and peculiar subject! i've also never seen a bug that can do anything like that with its rear end :D
I guess it's true about everyone/thing having a talent...:scratch

And thanks Eric! :thumb


AJ

[Phil U.]

Holy Wierdness Batman. Fascinating capture - aren't you glad you ran and got the camera? (also gave you a little exercise for the pizza eatin') :hotfood

[WaterfallRich]

Very cool shots! I haven't seen anything like it either - thanks for sharing!

[nzmacro]

Fascinating shots AJ. Great colours and sharp details. The only thing I can think of, is that it looks like it might be shedding its skin and you have caught it while its down to its tail. Other than that, I have no idea :wink .

All the best AJ. Fine shots of neat behaviour. :thumb

Danny.

[tmlphoto]

No idea what it is, but I'm glad it's not in my yard. :) Very intersting pics.

[MuskyDude]

Holy Wierdness Batman. Fascinating capture - aren't you glad you ran and got the camera? (also gave you a little exercise for the pizza eatin') :hotfood
I sure am Phil, and thanks. I think I would have to run allot more than just to my apt. to work off one of their deep-dish pizzas... :eat

AJ

[MuskyDude]

Very cool shots! I haven't seen anything like it either - thanks for sharing!
Thank you Rich, and I'm glad you enjoyed!



AJ

[MuskyDude]

Fascinating shots AJ. Great colours and sharp details. The only thing I can think of, is that it looks like it might be shedding its skin and you have caught it while its down to its tail. Other than that, I have no idea :wink .

All the best AJ. Fine shots of neat behaviour. :thumb

Danny.
It's a weird one, Danny. I've searched and found all kinds of tree-bark laying wasps, but none like this one...

Your words are appreciated Danny. :thumb


AJ

[MuskyDude]

No idea what it is, but I'm glad it's not in my yard. :) Very intersting pics.
Heh, thanks Thomas. :D One thing I read about parasitic wasps, is that they don't sting like most other wasps. Hardly a consideration if you don't like flying insects however....


AJ

[cakanode]

The insect you were photographing (and pretty good shots I might add) is a of the species MEGARYHSSA. I work at a wilderness school and saw a bunch last summer and was perplexed as you were. I did some research and found out more about them. They will not sting, but boy do they look menacing. Here is a link to some more info on the species:
http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/Images/Hymenoptera/megarhyssa.html
I hope this helps ease your curiousity.

C.K.

[MuskyDude]

The insect you were photographing (and pretty good shots I might add) is a of the species MEGARYHSSA. I work at a wilderness school and saw a bunch last summer and was perplexed as you were. I did some research and found out more about them. They will not sting, but boy do they look menacing. Here is a link to some more info on the species:
http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/Images/Hymenoptera/megarhyssa.html
I hope this helps ease your curiousity.

C.K.
That is just too cool!!!!! :clap Thank you very much for the ID, C.K. it is appreciated!!!! :thumb


AJ

[dragon300zx]

Hey those photos on that site were takin in waterford right near my house. Time to move.:help

[USAIR]

I think it's a Ichneumon Wasp (http://bugguide.net/node/view/150)
I have seen them around here too but rare good catch :thumb

Thanks
Fred

[John Mueller]

I think I had her sister in my car today:D
Nice captures AJ:thumb

[MuskyDude]

Thanks everyone. :thumb Fred you are correct, here's another good link about them: http://www.cirrusimage.com/hymenoptera_ichneumon_megarhyssa_fem.htm


AJ