AboutNathan Riggs Expertise I have expertise in identifying insects, many types of spiders, and other arthropod critters that infest lawns, ornamentals, structures, trees, pets and livestock. Mites are not a strong point of mine, but I can provide some help. I'm not a licensed doctor, so I cannot provide medical diagnosis of conditions possibly related to insects. If you've got an interesting photo for me to see, let me know and I'll give you my email so the picture will get to me. If you have hosted an insect photo on a website, please include the link so I can go look at it and provide a faster ID for you. Don't forget...you can now attach pictures to your questions as well!
Experience 17 Years' Experience as an entomologist: 5 years as a biologist with Merck Animal Health and 7 years as a Pest Management Specialist in San Antonio, Texas with Texas Cooperative Extension.
Publications Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter
Education/Credentials BS - Entomology from Texas A&M University in 1992.
Board Certified Entomologist, 1996-2000 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Specialty (Entomological Society of America)
Awards and Honors 2000 Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for leadership on the Texas Fire Ant Program Educational Team.
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.
