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Megarhyssa macrurus

Megarhyssa macrura

A species of Giant ichneumons

Megarhyssa macrurus has a reddish-brown body approximately 2 inches (51 mm) long. It has black and yellow-orange stripes. Its wings are transparent and the body elongated. The body and ovipositor together can be more than 5 inches (130 mm) long. Males are smaller, and have no ovipositor.

General Info About Megarhyssa macrurus
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Attributes of Megarhyssa macrurus
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
tunnel in dead wood
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, sap, flower secretions, water with dissolved sugars or salts
Larva Food Source
Wood wasp larvae (family: siricidae)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Megarhyssa macrurus
M. macrurus is found across the eastern half of the United States, reaching into the extreme south of Canada near the Great Lakes.
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Life Cycle of Megarhyssa macrurus
Egg The egg of megarhyssa macrurus is usually deposited in a protected environment. It is here that the insect begins its life with an initial reserve of yolk within the egg to support growth.
Larva After hatching, the larval megarhyssa macrurus emerges, characterized by its worm-like appearance and a primary focus on feeding and growth. It sheds its skin multiple times as it increases in size.
Pupal The megarhyssa macrurus then enters the pupal stage, where it is typically inactive and encased within a cocoon or chrysalis. It undergoes a significant transformation, reforming its body structure completely.
Adult The adult megarhyssa macrurus emerges with fully developed wings, hardened exoskeleton, and functional reproductive organs. Distinctive in color and form from prior stages, the adult's primary function is to reproduce.
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Predators of Megarhyssa macrurus Larvae
Birds, arachnids, rodents
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Scientific Classification of Megarhyssa macrurus
Tips for Finding Megarhyssa macrurus
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Youth Habitat of Megarhyssa macrurus
Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Megarhyssa macrurus
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Megarhyssa macrurus
Since megarhyssa macrurus is a parasitoid, it does not require conventional bait or trap food. Instead, locating host trees where larvae of the targeted insect hosts reside will attract megarhyssa macrurus.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Megarhyssa macrurus
Dry and warm weather favors the activity of adult megarhyssa macrurus, making it easier to observe them during their flight and search for hosts.
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How and Where Can You Find Megarhyssa macrurus at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of megarhyssa macrurus are laid within the host species, typically inside wood. To find these, one would need to identify the host species and its habitat, then carefully dissect or x-ray the host larvae or pupae within infested wood.
Larva Larvae of megarhyssa macrurus are endoparasitoids, developing inside the body of the host. Locating megarhyssa macrurus larvae involves finding their host species, often wood-boring insects, and examining the infested wood for signs of megarhyssa macrurus presence like small exit holes.
Pupal Pupal cases of megarhyssa macrurus are located inside the wood of the host's tree. Detection of these would require searching for wood debris beneath trees or carefully splitting the wood where larvae were previously found.
Adult Megarhyssa macrurus adults are slender wasps that hunt for larval hosts by tapping on wood surfaces with their antennae. To find adults, observe dead or dying trees with signs of wood-boring insect activity. They can often be seen hovering around or resting on the trunk of these trees.
Are Megarhyssa macrurus harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Megarhyssa macrurus
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Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitic Position Type
Endoparasitism
Parasitic Special Type
Specific Parasitism
Host Type
Wood wasps
Megarhyssa macrurus is a fascinating example of nature's complexity. As an endoparasitoid, its larvae drill into wood to reach their hosts, the larvae of wood wasps. Utilizing a long ovipositor, this insect injects eggs directly into its host, which then hatch and consume the host from within, a true testament to nature's predatory sophistication.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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