The three parts of the thing sticking out the rear are the ovipositor and the ovipositor sheaths. The primary function of the ovipositor is to insert eggs into or onto the host. Often, the ovipositor will inject substances that will at least momentarily paralyze the host or counteract its immune system. All or most Ichneumonidae will attempt to use the ovipositor as a defense mechanism to ward off predators or whatever, and even the males will go through the motions of attempting to sting. Many Ichneumonidae, however, do not have the ability to penetrate human skin, but I believe that Pimpla pedalis is able to sting humans. In fact, a Secret Service Agent once brought me a specimen of a species of Pimpla that had somehow gotten into his shirtsleeve in a European hotel and stung him when it got trapped against his skin. He had a severe reaction to the sting and I believe he had to be given an epinephrine injection.

In aculeate Hymenoptera like bees, yellow jackets, paper wasps, and ants, the ovipositor has lost the egg-laying function and only serves for defense, and, hence, is a stinger only. The stingless bees have gone one step further and lost the stinger, too.

Moved from Ichneumon Wasps.

Moved from ID Request.

Ichneumonid wasp. There are some similar critters in Pimplinae:



Dr. Carlson will be able to say for sure.

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