I think it looks like some kind of parasitic wasp, based on the long rear tubule thing (used for injecting eggs into the host, called an ovipositor) and the generally wasp-like body shape.
Don't worry, it doesn't sting or parasitize humans.
Very beneficial as they are pollinators, feeding on nectar, and also pest control, as depending on their host, is a major population control mechanism in some pest insect species. The reason Spotted Lantern Flies are so invasive in the Eastern USA is that in their home range, they are controlled by 2 species of parasitic wasp that control their spread, but these wasps haven't yet made the jump to or adapted to the region yet.
Don’t worry, it doesn’t sting or parasitize humans.
I can believe that one could know that there are no wasps that parasitize humans in that region, but how can you know that it doesn't sting humans without knowing the type of wasp involved?
Looks like a flying ant. They come out seasonably in various parts of the world, mostly after rains. I didn’t know Ontario had ‘em (unless I’m mistaken).
It should have a sweet sickly smell associated with it.
11 Comments
Bags@piefed.social · 18 pts · 336d
I think it looks like some kind of parasitic wasp, based on the long rear tubule thing (used for injecting eggs into the host, called an ovipositor) and the generally wasp-like body shape.
Don't worry, it doesn't sting or parasitize humans.
Very beneficial as they are pollinators, feeding on nectar, and also pest control, as depending on their host, is a major population control mechanism in some pest insect species. The reason Spotted Lantern Flies are so invasive in the Eastern USA is that in their home range, they are controlled by 2 species of parasitic wasp that control their spread, but these wasps haven't yet made the jump to or adapted to the region yet.
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 336d
I will refrain from making an Ontario joke involving parastic wasps. But damn, its difficult not to.
jade52@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 335d
Lol it's ok I got it
usualsuspect191@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 336d
I agree. The long ovipositor allows them to get under the bark and lay their eggs onto beetle larvae living there.
https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Ichneumon-Wasp-Odontocolon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odontocolon
tal@olio.cafe · 2 pts · 335d
I can believe that one could know that there are no wasps that parasitize humans in that region, but how can you know that it doesn't sting humans without knowing the type of wasp involved?
Jerb322@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 335d
Because of the size of the ovipositor(egg placer).
tal@olio.cafe · 1 pts · 335d
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
And that thing looks like it's got a larger ovipositor than the one the wasp has in OP's picture:
thagoat@lemmy.sdf.org · 9 pts · 336d
Half liter bug
SGforce@lemmy.ca · 5 pts · 336d
Definitely a wasp. There are millions of species so it might be difficult to narrow it down.
Yupa@ani.social · 1 pts · 335d
It's Shakra
damnthefilibuster@lemmy.world · -2 pts · 336d
Looks like a flying ant. They come out seasonably in various parts of the world, mostly after rains. I didn’t know Ontario had ‘em (unless I’m mistaken).
It should have a sweet sickly smell associated with it.