this post was submitted on 22 Sep 2025
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What is this thing?

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Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

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Ontarrible Canada, what bug is this? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 3 months ago by n3m37h@sh.itjust.works to c/whatisthisthing@lemmy.world
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Never seen a bug like this, it has wings too

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[–] Jerb322@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Because of the size of the ovipositor(egg placer).

[–] tal@olio.cafe 1 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Okay, I'm no wasp expert, but that sounds plausible.

kagis

...but it sounds like at least some parasitic wasps do sting humans, even if their sting isn't a big deal.

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/ichneumonid-wasp

  • Megarhyssa is a large wasp found on declining or recently dead hardwood trees between May and July.
  • It parasitizes horntails present in declining trees, but does not injure trees.
  • Harmless to people and ignores people when possible.
  • If mishandled, it may sting to protect itself.

  • Although ichneumonid wasps appear dangerous due to their large size, they are not harmful to people.

  • The wasp may jab with its ovipositor in self-defense. This will generally result only in a minor wound.

And that thing looks like it's got a larger ovipositor than the one the wasp has in OP's picture:

The ovipositor is 2-3 inches long.