Possible Ichneumon parasitoid wasp.

From my archives. An apparent pupa was found in the ground, I happened to have a ziplock bag I could protect on me and decided to take it home after reading about others doing so. That was on 3/31/13. I had essentially forgotten about it when on 5/18/13 I noticed two of my cats trying to get into some of my stuff, having heard something. I must admit, not knowing of parasitoid wasps at the time, I just looked at it in disbelief. At first certain it must have gained entry to the bag trying to get at the pupa.

I took it outside for more pictures in better lighting and placed it on a bush leaf well off the ground. I watched it for some time, but did not actually see it leave, but it was gone about 15 minutes later when I looked. So I had it a day shy of 7 weeks, but it may have been laid months earlier, like in the late summer or early fall I suppose).

Fortunately, I took pictures of the pupa in the ground, which had been under a piece of natural wood, and was surrounding by light colored hairs. I also photographed the pupa after the wasp flew off - it was in two distinct pieces, making me suspect that the wasp may have used its mandibles a bit like a can opener in order to exit.

I've provided pictures of the pupa as well (from before / after). It was nestled in what I assume are most of the hairs from the caterpillar involved, and am hopeful that might help with identification of both species. I did not want to initially enter separately since they could be important to have together for identification of one or both species, if even possible.