CLOSED: Damselfly-looking insect

Harrison, AR

This insect has the rough appearance of a damselfly, but I don't think that is what it is. One can zoom in on the photos to see body detail. The body has chevron-like segments, clear wings, and most prominantly, a long slender hair-like tail. The tail is about 4-5 inches long! I will post two pictures. One for the body, and one that shows the length of the tail. Sorry, no scale, but the body was about an inch long. The long "tail" is what got my attention immediately. He was clearly visible on one of the hosta leaves, but by the time I got my camera, he had moved onto the flowers.

Thumbnail by ozarkie
Harrison, AR

Second picture.

This message was edited Oct 25, 2011 8:56 PM

Thumbnail by ozarkie
(Zone 7a)

Megarhyssa macrurus. It's in the Wasp Family. The long thing is an ovipositor.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/84171

This message was edited Oct 25, 2011 8:51 PM

Harrison, AR

kwanjin...your ID was perfect! That is the insect.

Wasp came to mind when I first saw it, but then when I noticed the long "tail" or ovipositor I dismissed it. I thought it might be a type of damselfly or dragonfly, but couldn't find anything in those groups that looked like it. Gosh, the long ovipositor was really interesting. First time I had ever seen anything like that. Thanks for the link.

(Zone 7a)

It's a very interesting creature, as are most. These are quite startling when first encountered. The first time I saw a Wood Wasp, I ran for the hills! This one was about 2" long and harmless.

Thumbnail by kwanjin
Harrison, AR

Wow, 2" long would startle me as well!

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