uh, i'm not sure if its a wasp, or what

It's called an ichneuman, related to wasps.

I figured as much actually, but i was actually wondering what kind, most of the ones I've seen had a bulbus abdomen at the top, and a then went to a much thinner probe at the end. this one had fairly thick segments that were about a 1/4" a piece. i thought it was dead, but after a few minutes, it started moving, so i returned it to my yard.

Pelecinus polyturator, American Pelecinid

see figure 6 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN202

It looks to be a wasp. I'll look it up. It might be an ichnuemon wasp.(I believe that's how you spell it.)

It is a Pelecinid

Hi my name is melody and I am studying entomology, and I am certain that this is called a american pelecinid. it is a paracidic wasp. the female shoves its abdomen deep into the soil to detect host larvae below,then lays eggs one at a time each on a seperate host. pelecinid larvae will then burrow into the hosts, killing them. they scavenge on the remains then they pupate there. males are very rare. this is the ONLY pelecinid wasp species in the united states. you should go to the library ask for the national audubon society feild and guide to north american insects & spiders. you will find all the info you need. this book is very helpful to have

i seen a masive yellow and black one like that in spain, south coast