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Giant wood wasp

Giant wood wasp

Urocerus gigas

A species of Urocerus, Also known as Yellow-horned horntail, Greater horntail, Pine wood wasp

Giant wood wasp may appear intimidating, but the sawfly is harmless to humans. It only resembles a large wasp, but the long ovipositor is not used for stinging. Instead, females use the stinger-like appendage to poke holes in trees. The holes are used to incubate the eggs and protect the larvae during development.

General Info About Giant wood wasp
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Attributes of Giant wood wasp
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Coniferous wood
Adult Food Sources
Tree sap, honeydew, nectar, plant juices, rotted wood
Larva Food Source
Coniferous wood, pine, fir, spruce, larch
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
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-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Giant wood wasp
Widespread and common
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Distribution Area of Giant wood wasp
North Africa
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Life Cycle of Giant wood wasp
Egg The initial stage begins as an egg. It's a dormant phase where the developing giant wood wasp is encased in a protective shell, often laid in clusters or singularly on the host.
Larva After hatching, the larva emerges, characterized by a worm-like appearance. It has a voracious appetite, and undergoes several molts, increasing in size but not yet resembling the adult giant wood wasp.
Pupal Upon reaching the appropriate size, the larva forms a pupa. This inactive stage is a cocoon or protective casing where the giant wood wasp undergoes a profound transformation in form and function.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult giant wood wasp’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Giant wood wasp Larvae
Woodpeckers, predatory beetles, small mammals
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Predators of Adult Giant wood wasp
Birds, bats, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Giant wood wasp
Female giant wood wasp have an ovipositor that resembles a syringe, which they use to inject eggs into wood, yet harmlessly to humans.
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Scientific Classification of Giant wood wasp
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Horntails
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Tips for Finding Giant wood wasp
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Youth Habitat of Giant wood wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Giant wood wasp
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Giant wood wasp Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of giant wood wasp are typically found within the wood of coniferous trees, where they feed on the wood and can be located by searching for round exit holes or sawdust-like frass. Pupation occurs inside the wood, near the surface. To find adults of giant wood wasp, one should look around and on the surfaces of these trees, particularly during the summer months when they are most active and likely to be encountered flying around or laying eggs on the bark.
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Harmful Effects of Giant wood wasp
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Forestry Pest

When giant wood wasp larvae infest, they bore through stems and roots, disrupting sap flow and weakening young conifers. Mild attacks cause growth reduction, while severe infestations can kill trees, leading to economic loss and forest ecosystem imbalances.

More Effects of Giant wood wasp

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