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[Dave29]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone could help, last weekend during the very hot weather when this appeared, it was black and orange in colour with a large sting on the back it had wings like a wasp not a dragon fly. 20 - 25mm in length, unfortunately as quickly has it came it vanished,

if we get any more good weather and if i see it again i will post a picture.

[aeshna5]

Sounds if it could be one of the parasitic ichneumon wasps.

[brucemstrs]

Ichneumon is almost certainly it from the description

[brucemstrs]

That 'Sting' is just its ovipositor

[Fourwings]

Definately an Ichneumon species, it sounds like Pimpla hypochondriaca, but there are several species that are very similar.
Sorry I can't be more specific.

Steve.