Rhyssa

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
Family: Ichneumonidae
Subfamily: Rhyssinae
Genus: Rhyssa

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhyssa: /ˈrɪsə/

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Images

Rhyssa ponderosae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Rhyssa lineolata by Jake McCumber. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Rhyssa persuasoria by Paweł Strykowski. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Summary

Rhyssa persuasoria, also known as the sabre wasp, is a giant ichneumon wasp notable for its size and role as a parasitoid of wood-boring insects. It is primarily found in coniferous forests and has distinct morphological features that set it apart from similar species.

Physical Characteristics

Rhyssa persuasoria exhibits a thin black body with several whitish spots on the head, thorax, and abdomen, as well as reddish legs. Males measure about 10–20 mm in length, while females range from 20–40 mm, with an additional ovipositor length of 20–40 mm.

Identification Tips

Rhyssa persuasoria is distinguished from other species by its larger size, median tooth on the clypeus, and the absence of fusion between the first sternite and tergite. Males have shorter antennae and body compared to females.

Habitat

They inhabit coniferous or mixed woodlands, often found in paths and clearings of these forests.

Distribution

Rhyssa persuasoria is found across Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Russia, and several others, as well as in the Australasian region, the Near East, and parts of North Africa.

Diet

Adults are primarily sugar and starch feeders, obtaining carbohydrates from sources such as honeydew or pine needles. They do not visit flowers.

Life Cycle

Rhyssa persuasoria has a univoltine life cycle, with larvae overwintering in wood and pupating the following spring. Adults emerge from the wood each year during July through August.

Reproduction

Females use their elongated ovipositor to drill into wood and lay eggs on the larvae of horntails and other beetles, which serve as food and incubators for the developing young.

Ecosystem Role

Acting as a parasite of wood-boring larvae, they play a role in controlling populations of these insects.