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Pigeon Horntail

Pigeon Horntail

Tremex columba

A species of Tremex, Also known as Pigeon Tremex Sawfly, Horntail wasp

The pigeon Horntail (Tremex columba) is a horntail species that is often mistaken for a wasp, but it's not naturally aggressive. Its thick, long "stinger" is actually an ovipositor, which is an organ used for laying eggs. Females inject this ovipositor into trees to lay their eggs in a safe location. However, females perish immediately after their final egg is laid.

General Info About Pigeon Horntail
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Attributes of Pigeon Horntail
Colors
Brown
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Tree sap, fluids from wounded trees
Larva Food Source
Decaying wood, hardwood trees (like maple and oak), wood fibers
Non-poisonous
The Pigeon Horntail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The Pigeon Horntail can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Pigeon Horntail feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Pigeon Horntail
It is native to Eastern and Western North America.
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Distribution Area of Pigeon Horntail
Eastern and western North America
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Appearance of Pigeon Horntail
The females are larger than the males, with females growing to 2.5 - 3 cm in length, and males about 2 - 2.5 cm.
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How to Identify Pigeon Horntail?

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Life Cycle of Pigeon Horntail
Egg The embryonic pigeon Horntail is encased within a protective outer shell, the egg. This stage is characterized by a lack of movement, and incubation varies depending on environmental factors.
Larva As larvae, pigeon Horntail undergoes multiple molts, growing larger with each stage. They lack wings and reproductive organs, often differing significantly in color and shape from the adults.
Pupal In the pupal stage, pigeon Horntail is encased in a cocoon or pupal case. This stage sees the transformation of the larva’s body as it reorganizes into an adult. Pigeon Horntail is largely immobile during this phase.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult pigeon Horntail showcases wings and functioning reproductive organs. The exoskeleton is hardened, and coloration may vary from earlier stages, with increased mobility for mating and dispersal.
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Predators of Adult Pigeon Horntail
Birds, mammals
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Interesting Facts About Pigeon Horntail
Adult pigeon Horntail females use a specialized ovipositor to inject eggs into hardwood, along with a fungus that pre-digests wood for their larvae.
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Scientific Classification of Pigeon Horntail
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Horntails
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Genus
Tremex
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Tips for Finding Pigeon Horntail
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Youth Habitat of Pigeon Horntail
Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Pigeon Horntail
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Pigeon Horntail
Since pigeon Horntail larvae feed on the wood of deciduous trees, suitable trap food for attracting pigeon Horntail could be the material from the host tree, specifically with the scent of freshly cut or injured wood that can emit signals to adult pigeon Horntail.
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Habitat Preferences of Pigeon Horntail Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of pigeon Horntail are laid in the dead or dying wood of deciduous trees, particularly maples and elms, where larvae subsequently hatch and burrow to feed on the wood, creating intricate tunnels as they grow. To find these stages, search for trees with round exit holes or frass extrusions. The larvae eventually pupate within the wooden galleries they've created. Adult pigeon Horntail emerge from the pupae and can be found on or near the same types of trees where they were larvae, typically during late summer. Observing the tree trunks and branches of susceptible tree species is key when looking for adults.
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How and Where Can You Find Pigeon Horntail at Different Life Stages
Egg Pigeon Horntail eggs are laid in tree bark, particularly in deciduous trees. To find them, inspect crevices and cracks in the bark of susceptible host trees for small, cylindrical eggs.
Larva Pigeon Horntail larvae bore into wood, making them difficult to find. However, look for frass (sawdust-like excrement) around small circular holes in tree trunks, indicative of pigeon Horntail larval activity.
Pupal Pigeon Horntail pupae reside within the wood, transforming into adults. Identification is generally carried out by detecting larval exit holes in wood, signaling that pupation has occurred and adults may have emerged.
Adult Pigeon Horntail adults can be spotted on or around host trees. Searching for them involves looking for adult pigeon Horntail during their active periods on warm, sunny days, especially around damaged or decaying branches of deciduous trees.
Are Pigeon Horntail harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Pigeon Horntail
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Forestry Pest

The larva of pigeon Horntail bore into tree stems, weakening the structural integrity of the host. A small number may cause only minor damage, but at higher populations, trees can become extensively damaged and may die. This decline in tree health can result in economic losses and disrupt local ecosystems.

More Effects of Pigeon Horntail

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