Xiphydriid Wood Wasps

Xiphydriidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Xiphydriidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xiphydriidae: //zaɪˈfɪdri.aɪdiː//

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Summary

Xiphydriidae are a family of wood-boring wasps with around 150 species worldwide. They are not harmful to healthy trees and are generally innocuous regarding human structures.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are 6-21mm long, characterized by having long and skinny necks with dome-shaped heads. The segment of the abdomen called the gaster can have orange, red, or yellow coloring patterns. Most species have filiform antennae with 14 to 22 segments, spherical heads that are shiny, and a medially constricted pronotum. Larvae have either no legs or vestigial legs, and their heads are as long as broad.

Identification Tips

Similar to horntails but no horn at the tip of the abdomen. Look for the elongated neck and dome-shaped head characteristic of the family.

Habitat

Larvae bore in dead or decaying wood of deciduous trees, particularly in small branches. Adults are commonly found in shadowy places, running on the surface of leaves.

Distribution

Xiphydriidae are located all over the world including North and South America, Australia, and Europe.

Diet

The larvae are phytophagous and bore into dead or weak trees, relying on symbiotic fungi for food.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes a larval stage that relies on borings in dead wood and an adult stage that runs on leaf surfaces.

Ecosystem Role

They bore and feed into dying or weakened trees and do not have a negative impact on the environment. They can act as secondary pests due to the dead wood that may be brought into human homes.

Economic Impact

Not considered to be of economic importance as larvae do not attack living branches or structural wood in homes.

Health Concerns

They may be seen indoors due to being brought in with firewood.

Evolution

The oldest fossils of Xiphydriidae are from the mid Cretaceous.

Similar Taxa

Horntails