Horntail Wasps
What are they?
A small family of large and almost intimidating-looking wasps. The females in particular can be startling as the long, obvious ovipositor can be mistaken for a sting - but these creatures are completely harmless to man. Females can be up to two inches in total length and are most often seen around decaying tree stumps. The ovipositor is used to drill into decaying (not dead) tree wood, and the females transplant a fungus when they lay an egg, which helps to speed up the decaying process. Larvae feed within the tree wood until ready to pupate.
Identification
The one species likely to be found in our area is readily identified by its sheer size.
Eastern Horntail Tremex columba
(Pigeon Tremex) A large and imposing wasp with a black and yellow abdomen and rust-colored thorax and head. Widespread but never common, this is a solitary species, most likely to be seen investigating dying tree stumps.
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