Giant Ichneumon Wasp

Megarhyssa macrurus

Description:

This is a Giant Ichneumon Wasp. She's laying her eggs. These wasp have one of the most complicated and specialized egg laying processes of any arthropod. This first step is to locate a Pigeon Tremex wasp larvae which are found deep inside tree trunks. Using their antennae to detect a fungus associated with the larvae. Wasp then move on to step two, getting to the larvae to lay their eggs. This is were the wasp's 3 inch long specially designed ovipositors (wire like thing in picture) come in. Ovipositors have an ability to secrete a wood dissolving chemical which they use to mine their way to the Pigeon Tremex larvae so they can lay their eggs on it. After the eggs hatch, they feed on the Pigeon Tremex larvae.

Habitat:

Deciduous forest

Species ID Suggestions

11 Comments

ShirleyOliver 9 years ago

I have one of these "captive" right now. She flew into my store and was trying to get out of a pane of glass. Her body is 1 1/2" but her "tail" is over 4" long. What a frighteningly beautiful creature !!!

lhankin 9 years ago

Your photo will be highlighted on Sunday, August 10 as the Great Nature Project Pic of the Day. Afterwards, you’ll be able to see your photo for about a month in the Pic of the Day Collection (www.greatnatureproject.org/collections/1...). Thanks again for contributing to The Great Nature Project!