Xiphydria maculata

Say, 1836

Spotted Wood Wasp

Xiphydria maculata is a wood wasp in the Xiphydriidae. are known to visit flowers for nectar. The larvae develop as borers in dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly maple and other deciduous . This species is part of a group of primitive that lack the narrow waist characteristic of most other Hymenoptera.

Xiphydria maculata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xiphydria maculata: /ksɪˈfɪdriə ˌmækjʊˈleɪtə/

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Habitat

Associated with deciduous forests, particularly where maple trees occur. are attracted to blacklights.

Distribution

Eastern North America, with records from Ontario and Quebec south to Georgia and west to Texas, Missouri, and Kansas.

Seasonality

have been recorded from March through October, with peak activity in spring and early summer.

Host Associations

maple - larval larvae bore in dead or dying wood

Ecological Role

Larvae contribute to wood decomposition by tunneling in dead and dying hardwoods. may serve as when visiting flowers.

Similar Taxa

Xiphydria tibialissimilar size and appearance, but X. maculata has spotted patterning as suggested by its specific epithet
other Siricoideashare cylindrical body form and wood-boring larvae, but Xiphydriidae lack the horn-like ovipositor of Siricidae (horntails)

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Xiphydriidae are sometimes called 'false wood wasps' or included informally with wood wasps. They represent one of the most basal lineages of Hymenoptera.

Parasitoid Relationships

Larvae of Xiphydria are known for ichneumonid wasps in the Rhyssella, which use their long ovipositors to reach larvae deep in wood.