HELP - What Insect is this?

[kikiroo91]

I was in my Kitchen when i noticed this strange Insect i had never seen before. It hovered at the window with small wings (compared to its body). Its body was black although in the light it seemed to have a blue, almost oil looking reflection especially in the sun and resembled that of Ant or even a Wasp. What made it strange was it had a large tail like thing on its back which when it was flying stayed horizontal to the body which was drooped - as if it was for a balance aid or something. Kinda like a side ways T ----->
(---|) the solid line being the body. The tail thing was much longer than the body and had a red tinge to it, it was pretty scary looking. I have never seen one before and thought it may be some kind of dragonfly or something along those lines, but the body was nothing like one. Its wings were beating very fast it it made no noise - it was as if it was being propelled along by its tail thing although the wings were clearly moving. I couldnt see how many legs it had but it appeared to have some near the lower end of its body. It was quite small but clearly noticable due to the size of its tail thing. I know very little of Insects and just want to know what it was that was intruding in my house.
Thank you.

[Geoff F]

There are many possible answers, but if the tail was considerably longer than the body, have a look at Rhyssa persuasoria to start with.

But there is a vast range of these Ichneumon Wasps and many of them could fit your description. Some of the sawflies also have a long ovipositor.

Either way they are harmless to humans.

[kikiroo91]

Thank you - It appears to resemble a sort of Ichneumon Wasp out of the options you gave me, however from the google images i looked at i couldn't find the exact species but i will continue to look through the internet now i have some pointers. Thanks again.

[Geoff F]

There are a few photos on this site Ichneumonidae - Ichneumoninae but there are several thousand to choose from so you will be lucky to get beyond general family name; or 'looks a bit like'.

[Jason Green]

Evening kiki,

Originally Posted by Geoff F

...but there are several thousand to choose from so you will be lucky to get beyond general family name; or 'looks a bit like'.

...indeed. We have 3,500, and most would require a specimen, microscope and good (and probably expensive given the family's size!) written key.

Take care,

Jason