What insect is it...?

Question

On the way home from the grocery store this evening, I noticed a large insect, six long yellow legs, a yellow head and antennae, and an all black abdomen and thorax. With an incredibly long "tail" (stinger?). I would estimate the length from head to end of thorax was about four to five inches. The "tail" was at least this length, maybe even a little bit longer. I would describe it's wings as similar to that of a bee, wasp, hornet, termite, etc... very thin, dark gray, and "veiny."

It's face composition looked much like that of the magnified face of an ant, with the exception of the head color.

Common names, scientific names, taxonomic info, or links to photos (so I can confirm this) would all be helpful in your answers.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Not sure what it is, but the long thing you describe as possibly a stinger sounds like an ovipositor.  That's a syringe-like appendage only the females have and they use it to "inject" their eggs (into the ground, the water, a host insect, whatever).  It's a female insect anyway.  Good luck.