I saw something unusual when I was out on one of my hiking trips recently. Since the weather was very warm, I stopped to sit on a bench so I could take the time to relax and enjoy nature. I very rarely stop and relax like this, but it was a warm weather treat for me.As I was looking around, I noticed something moving on the closest part of the sign in front of me. It was very small, and I knew immediately that it was an insect of some kind. That didn't seem unusual to me at first, but then I remembered what time of year it was. It was still winter.
I had always assumed that insects couldn't survive at these temperatures. It was very warm for winter, but cold for most other seasons. I'm guessing that with the unseasonably warm weather, some of these bugs woke up by mistake. I decided to get a closer look at this creature.
At first when I looked at it, I thought this insect was just a big ant. It looked to be about a quarter of an inch long. Ants are very common around here, and it was shaped the same general way as an ant. But when I looked a little closer, I noticed something strange.The creature I thought was an ordinary ant, was much more red than any ants around here. This was becoming interesting! I then decided that I had to get a few pictures of this thing. After a few blurry mistakes, I got a few that were presentable. I could now do some research about it, and then show off my new discovery. That's where I ran into even more problems!
I thought I would be smart and tell everyone just what kind of ant this was, but I soon found out it wasn't an ant at all. For one thing, I noticed when I was looking at it that it had a huge stinger! I didn't know if it would sting, so I didn't touch it. I don't know of any ants here with a big stinger like that. I do know of insects with stingers, and I found out generally what this was.
This insect is a type of parasitic wasp of the genus Gelis. I couldn't get any more definite information than that, because nobody else knew any more than I do. I read about similar stories of seeing these in unusually cold weather for a bug. And the photos anyone else had looked exactly like the same creature.These have been seen throughout Michigan, where I live. One person saw one of these wasps in January, the coldest part of winter. I'm sure somebody knows exactly what type of wasp this is, but the information I have is good enough for me right now. Of course, more is always welcome!
This has convinced me that I should always look at the small things when I'm out hiking. Stopping to rest and examining my surroundings very closely will help find hidden treasure like this. Hiking isn't about getting to a place as fast as you can; it's about enjoying nature. Sometimes just stopping to rest can reveal hidden surprises.
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I agree.. the weather seems 'abnormal' recently. Hope everything will be alright!! Anyway, first time here, nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteThat is a long stinger....
ReplyDelete"Hiking isn't about getting to a place as fast as you can; it's about enjoying nature. Sometimes just stopping to rest can reveal hidden surprises."
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? Sorry to repeat what you have mentioned.
Joanne Chan - Nice to meet you too Joanne. It's always good to make new friends. This abnormal weather has been beautiful recently. It is a sign that spring is coming quickly.
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Kruel - The stinger is almost as long as the bugs leg. I thought at first that I was mistaken about it being a stinger, but others have confirmed it for me.
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Rainfield - I think I remember you saying it first once before. No matter who did, it's always true. People like us who understand, know this is why we love nature so much.
I agree with you completely. The micro world of nature can be just as beautiful as the macro. We all need to take more time and slow down and observe it all (large and small). See? There was a reason for you to take a break and sit a spell. You need to do it more often. Just for you. Even if it results in no pictures. To refresh your soul.
ReplyDeleteThe Retired One - I've been wanting to do this for a while. The nature park where I took these pictures is set up so well. The benches are comfortable and in perfect places to view the surroundings.
ReplyDelete"Hiking isn't about getting to a place as fast as you can; it's about enjoying nature. "
ReplyDelete----- AGREE, a 100%!!!! Hiking should not be tiring but relaxing and rejuvenating, though I go for heights to climb (which I believe is good for the heart) and longer distances for more exercise, but I do not look at the destination only, for a lot of times there are so many nature surprises along the way. the whole stretch of the hike should be considered a treat.
Wow, thanks for the informative post! First I've heard about a parasitic wasp. It's interesting that is has no wings.
ReplyDeleteRatty- this is GREAT. I don't know this insect at all. Now I have to go hunting for info. And I wonder if they can be found here, a zone or two colder than where you are.
ReplyDeleteRatty- see now you've got me just too curious. It looks like Gelis is a genus of Ichneumon flies or wasps, which makes sense because that "tail" is probably an ovipostor. But I can't find any Gelis that are in the Great Lakes region (not that I'm an insect expert!). What is your source of info?
ReplyDeleteI just found this page bugguide.net/node/view/41411/bgpage, and your wasp looks VERY like this one, found in Massachusetts. I'm not arguing at all, just wondering if you have found something truly interesting for our area.
I just found the range map of images at bugguide.net. Michigan is not on it. You might want to submit your photo. http://bubbuide.net/node/view/41498/data
ReplyDeleteWell, that should be http://bugguide.net/node/view/41498/data
ReplyDeleteBetchai - That's right. The surprises along the way are what makes it all worth it. I just had a great hike today that was full of good surprises like that. I'm tired, but it's a good tired.
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Nick | Mom Most Traveled - I never heard about them very long ago either, but apparently parasitic wasps are common, and so are wingless wasps.
Sharkbytes - Actually, bugguide was my main source. There were two others, but I can't remember them. It was at bugguide that I found the first person that saw one of these things in Michigan. I looked around there and saw that there are several pages of this same bug. Nobody there seems to know what the exact name of it is. According to what I read there and at another place, that there have been at least three other sightings of these in Michigan.
ReplyDeleteI just looked again to find where I first saw the Michigan connection, but I can't find it anymore. I usually forget this kind of thing. That's why I don't try to identify things very often. I look into submitting this though. I thought this bug was probably more common than it's turning out to be.
This is really exciting. I've never seen that insect before. As I said, I'm no expert, but I like watching for the little things.
ReplyDeleteSharkbytes - Your excitement is contagious. I honestly didn't know I found something special, but now I think I'm going to keep searching around for some answers. I'll be looking at the little things more too now. This bug is becoming a very interesting puzzle to me.
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