Expert: Nathan Riggs - 5/14/2008

Question
Today, one of my bug loving friends gave me a little container with an insect inside knowing that I love little bugs and creatures. When she gave it to me, she said that she thought it might be a wasp-moth hybrid but wasn't sure. I live in GA, so it is very foresty with pine trees and it is a bit smaller than a dime with a long stinger for its body (about one quarter or less of its body, it is about half an inch long total). It has striped legs of black with some orange-yellow and clear wings, and its body is black for the most part. The only place it isn't is under its body where its legs connect, and it is a dark orange. (At least, I think it is, because it moves so often) Its antennas are about the same length as its body and they're always moving and twitching. I don't know what it eats and i'm eager to keep it alive because I think its pretty neat. If you can't identify it, I would like a guess or generalization of what wasp-like insects eat and if they can be kept in a container. Thank you!

Answer
This sounds like a type of parasitic wasp called an Ichneumon wasp.  The females of the species possess a long ovipositor (egg-laying organ) that they use to drill into trees and lay eggs in the tunnels of wood boring beetle larvae.  These wasps are harmless to humans and probably feed on honey or sugary liquids.

My suggestion is to release this insect back outside.

Do a search for "Ichneumon wasp" and see what you get.