Long-tailed Giant Ichneumonid Wasp
Megarhyssa macrurus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Ichneumonidae
- Subfamily: Rhyssinae
- Genus: Megarhyssa
- Species: macrurus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megarhyssa macrurus: /ˌmɛɡəˈrɪsə məˈkrʊrəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Megarhyssa macrurus is a large ichneumon wasp known for its long ovipositor and its role as a parasitoid of horntail larvae. It has distinctive physical markings that differentiate it from other species and is predominantly found in the eastern United States.
Physical Characteristics
Megarhyssa macrurus has a reddish-brown body of up to 2 inches (51 mm) long, with black and yellow-orange stripes. Its wings are transparent, and the body is elongated. Females have an ovipositor and can exceed 5 inches (130 mm) in length when combined with the body.
Identification Tips
Females are distinguished from other species by the pigmentation on the forewing along the basal vein and longer ovipositor length (about 2.2-2.3x the body length). Males are recognized by pigmentation on the forewing at the base of cell 2R1 and vertical lines on the face.
Habitat
Found in areas with decaying wood for parasitizing the larvae of the pigeon horntail.
Distribution
M. macrurus is found across the eastern half of the United States, extending into the extreme south of Canada near the Great Lakes.
Diet
Parasitizes on larvae of the pigeon horntail (Tremex columba, Siricidae).
Life Cycle
Females detect host larvae through the bark, paralyze them, and lay eggs on them. The Megarhyssa larvae consume the host and pupate, emerging as adults the following summer.
Reproduction
Ovipositors used to deposit eggs into a burrow made by host larvae in dead wood.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a parasitoid, regulating the population of its host, the pigeon horntail larvae.
Health Concerns
Harmless to humans; they do not sting.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults in flight
- Collecting from host-infested wood
Preservation Methods
- Pinning specimens
- Using entomological fluid jars
Evolution
Etymology of macrurus from Greek meaning 'long tail'.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some recent literature mistakenly cites Megarhyssa macrurus as Megarhyssa macrura, treating it as an adjectival form.
Tags
- Ichneumonid Wasp
- Parasitoid
- Megarhyssa macrurus
- Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon Wasp