I need help identifying an insect (winged, with scorpion-like tail)?

Question

- Found in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada; August, 2008

- Scuttles along on legs similar to a spider, then takes flight

- Attempts to stab threats with tail, like a scorpion

- Saw three or four at once, on the hood, roof, and trunk of my car

Picture:

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/4736/lqmb5.jpg

Answer 1

I agree with the zookeeper.  I would only add that it is harmless.

Answer 2

Yes its an ichneumonidae wasp.  I would need the wasp to identify the species as there are over 3000 species in the US alone. Ichneumonidae wasps do not sting people, rather they insert their eggs into insect host, their tunnels and into the bark of trees.  Few insects do not have at least one ichneumonidae wasp as an enemy.  Here are some pictures.

http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&k...

Answer 3

It appears to be an Ichneumon wasp, not sure what species. The females long "stinger" is actually an ovipositor designed to lay eggs on the larvae of other insects inside trees and other plants. I did a somewhat lengthy search on the web and could not find an accurate I.D. for your insect. Sorry. :(

Answer 4

Its an Ichneumon Wasp http://www.bugpeople.org/taxa/Hymenopter...

Answer 5

Wow. That looks wierd. I've never seen anything like it. But I live in Texas, US

Answer 6

I have no idea, but if you see one near me, please let me know!  That's a scary looking little suminagun.

Answer 7

I know it is a parasitic wasp of some type, but i don't know what.

I do know that zookeeper and the answer under his are both as close to correct as you are going to get.

  SO pick one and research on from there!