Axe shaped rear end
Location: Fort Worth, TX
September 30, 2010 6:59 pm
I have seen quite a few of these in and outside the house. Have no idea what it may be but the rear end tends to swing/chop up and down when it is landed, just like an axe swing. The wings are fly-like, clear and are the length of the body. The head and antennae look like an ant. The six legs are similiar to a cricket or such. Long thicker back legs with the other four like a fly or such.
Body aprox 3/8 inch; 3/4 inch overall length from head to extended legs.
Signature: Thanks, David
Ensign Wasp
Hi David,
The Ensign Wasp gets its common name because of its habit of bobbing its abdomen up and down while hunting. They are also known as Hatchet Wasps or Flag Wasps according to the Australian Museum website. Ensign Wasps are a beneficial species and their presence should be encouraged because they parasitize the oothica or egg cases of Cockroaches.
Daniel,
Thank you! I have looked and looked until my eyes are bleary to try and match the bug to something on the web, but to no avail.
I thank you again!
David Bryan
¶ Posted 01 October 2010 § ‡ ° Swirly butt bug
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
July 30, 2010 1:47 am
We’ve been trying for years to figure out what kind of bug this is. We call them swirly butt bugs because many of the ones we see look to have something protruding from their rear side that seems to move in a circular motion. I can’t tell from this picture if this one had it or not. We have to get them out of the house all the time, yet I don’t think I’ve ever seen one outside. Again, I can’t tell if it’s obvious from the picture, but he does fly. I don’t think they much care what season it is. Please tell me what kind of bug this is.
Brittany in Florida
Ensign Wasp
Hi Brittany,
We just posted another identification request for the Ensign Wasp that has a much clearer photo than the one you submitted, but what we really like about your request is the colorful way you described the behavior of the Ensign Wasp. It waves its abdomen about like a flag. Ensign Wasps parasitize the oothica or egg cases of cockroaches, and the increased number of reports we are receiving of Ensign Wasps spells bad news for cockroaches.
¶ Posted 01 August 2010 § ‡ ° Ant Looking Fly
Location: Houston, TX
July 30, 2010 3:13 pm
I caught this fly in my house. I’ve noticed a couple within the last week. Can you identify the fly? The ’odd’ behavior is the antenna’s and abdomen are constantly moving
Location: Houston, TX; Season: summer
Curious George
Ensign Wasp
Dear Curious George,
This Ensign Wasp gets its name from the way it carries its abdomen aloft and waves it about. Ensign Wasps are parasitic on the oothica or egg cases of Cockroaches. We have been getting regular requests to identify Ensign Wasps so it appears their numbers are increasing, which is bad news for cockroaches.
¶ Posted 01 August 2010 § ‡ ° Dont know what it is! Mutant Fly/Wasp?
July 14, 2010
This is the second time I have found one of these bugs in my Tampa, Florida home. Ive did many searches online and can’t seem to find any information leading to what it might be. Its black, has wings, 6 legs, antennas and looks like a fly but has a weird butt. These are the only pictures I could find online and its considered unidentified. I didnt get close enough to know if it bites or not.
Tina
Tampa Florida
Ensign Wasp
Dear Tina,
With its black coloration, cricket-like back legs, and oval abdomen connected to the body by a narrow petiole and held aloft like a waving flag, the Ensign Wasp is an unforgettable creature. Ensign Wasps parasitize the oothica or egg cases of cockroaches, so they are natural exterminators.
Ensign Wasp
¶ Posted 14 July 2010 § ‡ ° 
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