What sort of insect is this?

[flobadob]

I'm pretty sure it's not a wasp. http://i56.tinypic.com/2eofaye.jpg

[Answerprancer]

Looks like a digger/potter wasp (I'll check)

[Answerprancer]

You were right, it's an ichneumon fly, ichneumon armatorius to be precise.
(I'll let you have the fun of Google imaging it) :-)

[Answerprancer]

I've nailed it TT (he said smugly) :-)

[flobadob]

AP, how on earth did you find that out?

[Answerprancer]

I have an interest in insects (and all things nature related) - my first thought was potter/digger or some other solitary wasp, then I remembered ichneumon flies and had a little look in one of my insect books.

[flobadob]

That my friend, is called devotion, both to insects and answering.

[Answerprancer]

Glad to be of service. One of those 'Answerbank Moments' :-)

[Answerprancer]

Yes...great "thank you and good night!" moments :-)
..I'm still up for a while though.

[Jan1957]

"Insect books" Ap. That sounds creepy? Sorry, couldn't resist. I'm sure we've all got a collection of books we keep hidden and I don't mean the pornographic kind. :-)

[ttfn]

speak for yourself Jan !

[Jan1957]

Hi ttfn. I am quite sure you have quite a stack of pornographic books. And all nicked from the library! The ones we used to look at at school and giggle at.

[Answerprancer]

Jan, did you picture me as someone like 'Egon Spengler' from Ghostbusters ( "Do you have any hobbies?" ...."I collect spores, molds, and fungus" ) :-)

[ttfn]

Jan ! well if I say I never did - you won't believe me - but I never did! I was and am a laydeeeeee :o)

[Answerprancer]

Pron for me at school consisted of dog-eared copies of Mayfair and Playboy found by more observant kids in various dubious places. (Under hedges in the park etc)

[Answerprancer]

..and sold for 10p a copy !

[ttfn]

My divan bed went down to the floor - chance would be a fine thing Roy!