unknown insect - advice please

[LexWitkow]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum - this is my first post and this looks like the best place to get advice.

I have asked friends and searched the internet but so far have been unable to identify this insect.

I found this in the bath in the isle of wight (mid summer).




the diameter of the glass is 9 cm and the insects body was around 4 - 4.5 cm long and just under a centimetre wide. it had what looks like a stinger and a longer egg laying tube and two long antennae.

it had a large furry upper body and flew with a low buzz like a bee but not as deep as that of a stag beetle.

anyone have an idea what this is? please ask if any more detail is needed

thanks very much in advance.

Alexei

[aeshna5]

It's a Horntail. These are sawflies, distantly related to bees + wasps, + lay their eggs in wood where the larvae feed for a couple of years. Harmless to humans.

[LexWitkow]

Thank you so much for your quick reply.

I'm glad it doesn't sting and I will look out for them in the future

thanks again,

Alexei