Rhyssa persuasoria
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Ichneumonidae
- Subfamily: Rhyssinae
- Genus: Rhyssa
- Species: persuasoria
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhyssa persuasoria: //ˈrɪsə pɜːˌsweɪˈsɔːriə//
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Summary
Rhyssa persuasoria, commonly known as the sabre wasp, is a large ichneumon wasp from the family Ichneumonidae. Known for its distinctive long ovipositor, this species is primarily a parasite of larvae living in wood. It is widespread across Europe and other regions, playing a significant ecological role.
Physical Characteristics
Rhyssa persuasoria is one of the largest ichneumon wasps in Europe, with a length ranging from 10–20 mm (0.39–0.79 in) in males and 20–40 mm (0.79–1.57 in) in females, plus an ovipositor length of 20–40 mm (0.79–1.57 in). They have a thin black body with several whitish spots on the head, thorax, and abdomen, and reddish legs. The antennae are long and thin, while females have a notably long ovipositor that exceeds body length.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from other eastern species by entirely black antennae and a white-spotted abdomen.
Habitat
Typically found in coniferous or mixed woodland areas.
Distribution
This species is present across most of Europe, in regions such as Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Russia, and more. It also occurs in the Australasian realm, the Near East, the Nearctic realm, North Africa, and the Indomalayan realm.
Diet
Adults feed on carbohydrates found in honeydew and pine needles, but do not visit flowers.
Life Cycle
Rhyssa persuasoria is univoltine, with one generation per year. Larvae overwinter in wood, pupating in spring and emerging as adults.
Reproduction
Females drill into wood using their long ovipositors to lay eggs on larvae living deep within timber, which serve as both food and incubator for the developing progeny.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role in controlling wood-boring insect populations as a parasitic wasp.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults in their natural habitat
- Trapping with specific bait
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Alcohol preservation
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Ichneumonidae
- Rhyssa
- parasitic wasp
- sabre wasp
- insect biodiversity