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Would you please help me out and let me know what insect this is. I have attached several photos. The photos were taken of one that was approximately the size of a silverdollar not including the tail which appeared to be about 5 inches long. There are many others in all sizes. I am concerned that these will bite or sting.
Thank you for your time.
Heather Hamilton

Hi Heather,
Wow, great photos of a female Megarhyssa species laying eggs. This is one of the Giant Ichneumons. The female uses that long ovipositor to deposit eggs deep inside wood that is being parasitized by boring grubs. We got another photo from Jared in Columbus Ohio two days ago and while we were in Youngstown Ohio this week, we saw one flying aroung the dead wood of Mom’s dogwood tree. They will not sting.

Ed. Note: (09/17/2005) We now believe this to be Megarhyssa macrurus which can be located on this site.

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