Black and yellow ichneumon wasp

Ichneumon Wasps are non-aggressive, non-threatening wasps that are often spotted in or around woodlands and forests, near log stacks, or by plants. Many females have a long, syring-like ovipositor that looks a lot like a stinger, but this appendage is used to inject eggs deep into wood. Some species show sexual dimorphism, where the male and female look slightly different from each other. As larvae, Ichneumon Wasps are common parasites of caterpillars and sawfly larvae .

There is great diversity in size, color, and pattern throughout in the family of ichneumon wasps. Species exist that are as small as a fingernail and others are large and conspicuous. Some are steely black, while others are mainly orange. Many have yellow, orange, or red bands on the abdomen and sometimes there is a dot or mark on the thorax. Most have a yellow or white band on each antenna, which is comprised of many segments.

There are many unidentified species, and many that cannot be identified by just a photograph. These Ichneumon Wasps can still be enjoyed, however, and perhaps even more so, thanks to that little bit of mystery.