This insect we found sitting on a fence a few days ago is a black slip wasp (Pimpla rufipes), belonging to the parasitic wasp family Ichneumonidae. This species parasitizes butterflies, which isn't a nice thing to do:
Olympus Stylus 1s, 42mm, ISO200, f8, 1/60s
Here are some older photos of two of its cousins:
The carrot wasp (Gasteruption jaculator), hongerwesp in Dutch; this species parasitizes solitary bees:
Olympus XZ-1, 28mm, ISO320, f4, 1/80s
And finally, the extremely rare Megarhyssa superba, which parasitizes ... other Ichneumonidae!
Olympus XZ-1, 112mm, ISO400, f4, 1/160s
This last photo documents the first sighting (by me, he said proudly) in the northern half of The Netherlands, and the third sighting in The Netherlands ever. So, you don't get to see these much here, but when you do, its huge size makes it unforgettable. And slightly scary, that too.
We tried to guess this insect in my contest (on golos.io) :))
What a mean creatures!
The middle one is my favourite (if I may say so...) The black and orange, the massive back legs.. Awesome looking bugger! And a really great shot!
Thanks! I just wish it left the bees alone, they are having a hard time as it is.
What did not meet in nature
Wonderful shots. Those long tails must be their weapon.
No, they have no poison and they don't sting. The tails are ovipositors used for depositing eggs in or near larvae of other species.
They only use them defensively if you grab one, and even then they rarely do.
Thanks for info. Iv'e seem similar insects. They look menacing.
Indeed, but they avoid people and aren't aggressive. If one decides to drill into you for some reason, however, it hurts
like fucka lot.Sounds like you had one drill you.
Nice photo. From me upvote.
I have never seen such wasp. I am glad that you share with us. Amazing shot. I will read more about that creature. Have a good one ;))))
I like last shot!!!!
I have never seen anything as remotely cool as these. I love their long wispy tails! Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on the rare sighting of the Megarhyssa superba. That had to be exciting.