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Redish-brown flying insect, looks somewhat like a wasp, but with no stiner or visible mandibles
Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 4:43 AM
We live in the Puget Sound area in Washington state on Whidbey Island. It rains often, is overcast when it isn’t raining, and it is to be expected that there’ll be bugs trying to enter the home to escape the water.
We found this bug in our hallway after walking the dog around 4 in the morning. It’s been unusually cold for this time of year, and has been raining for the past 3 days.
We captured the bug between a cup and saucer and took this photo, afterwards we released it into the bushes outside the apartment.
Apartment Dweller
Whidbey Island, Puget Sound Area of Washington State

Ichneumon

Dear Apartment Dweller,
This is an Ichneumon.  Ichneumons are a group of parasitic wasps that prey upon different insects.  This may be a male Ichneumon which would explain the lack of a stinger.  Many female Ichneumons, especially in the genus Megarhyssa,  have highly developed ovipositors, some up to five inches long.  These organs are needed to locate wood burrowing larvae that serve as food for the young.  Other Ichneumons have much smaller ovipositors.  This is a large confusing group of insects, and we rarely attempt to make specific species or genus identification attempts.

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