Pigeon Horntail Wasp
Tremex columba
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Siricidae
- Subfamily: Tremecinae
- Genus: Tremex
- Species: columba
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tremex columba: /ˈtrɛmɛks kəˈlʌmbə/
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Summary
Tremex columba, known as the pigeon tremex or pigeon horntail, is a species of horntail native to eastern and western North America, typically found in dead or decaying trees. Their larvae feed inside the wood, contributing to decomposition, and they do not harm healthy trees unless they are already stressed.
Physical Characteristics
Adults usually >25 mm, females are 37-55 mm long, males are 18-37 mm long. They can vary in coloration from light brown to dark reddish brown, and have yellow and black stripes along the abdomen. Both sexes have long projections, with females possessing an ovipositor.
Identification Tips
Look for their characteristic size and yellow and black striped abdomen. Females have a long ovipositor used for egg deposition.
Habitat
Prefers dead or dying deciduous trees such as beech, elm, maple, and oak.
Distribution
Widely distributed across the US and southern Canada, though less common in the west and southeast (from NS-FL to AB-CA, into northern Mexico).
Diet
Larvae feed by excavating tunnels entirely in the wood of host trees.
Life Cycle
One generation per year; female bores through the bark to deposit eggs, which hatch into larvae that feed in the wood and pupate at the end of their larval tunnels.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs singly or in small clusters (between two and seven) into decaying wood.
Predators
Natural predators include Megarhyssa macrurus, M. greenei, M. atrata, and Ibalia anceps.
Ecosystem Role
The species is involved in wood decomposition; their activity can help in nutrient cycling by breaking down dead wood.
Economic Impact
Usually poses little threat to vegetation but can infect healthy trees with fungus and affect wood quality.
Cultural Significance
Not specifically noted; primarily significant in ecological contexts.
Health Concerns
This species is not considered harmful to humans and does not sting or bite.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may fear that the wasp can sting or bite, but it does not pose a threat to humans.
Tags
- Tremex columba
- Pigeon Horntail Wasp
- Decaying wood
- Larval tunnels
- Ecosystem role