Fly or Mosquito ?

[pat3pee]

Dear CiC members . I need help to find out what this winged creature is. Found dead on the kitchen window ledger I am concerned it may be a mosquito carrying the ZIKA virus

After developing the photo the software ran amok with me when I was about to erase the outlying area but I sort of liked it and kept it as a piece of art
Photographed outside in strong sunshine, thus the harsh shadows.



Patrik

[Shadowman]

Hi Patrik,

Nicely composed and captured. Not my area of expertise but that stinger would lead me to believe a mosquito.

[rtbaum]

Neither....It is an Ichneumon sp. of wasp. No worry, it is a good guy.

[Geoff F]

I suspect it could be a Netelia species, or alternatively Ophion sp.

They don't 'sting' people and that is an egg laying tube; which can be as long as the insect, or longer, with some Ichneumon species.

[pat3pee]

Thank you Randy for finding the name of the "wasp"+

Patrik

[pat3pee]

Geoff,
Thanks for delving further into these species. As I read that Netelia do sting ( see below extract) you claim they don't sting people. Hoping you are right.



Patrik

[rtbaum]

The key phrase here is "if handled carelessly", I follow the belief that the creatures on this earth have the right to go about their lives without our interference. Mosquitoes are the exception to the rule.

These little wasps perform a very valuable service to Man by controlling pests in our crops necessary for our very existence.

[Geoff F]

As well as mosquitoes, Randy, can I add Cleg Horseflies to the banned list.

Quite attractive but persistent biters. All the other horseflies I can accept, with care.