Xiphydria maculata

Say, 1836

Spotted Wood Wasp

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

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 bore in dead or dying wood

Ecological Role

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 , but lack the horn-like of (horntails)

More Details

Taxonomic Note

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

Parasitoid Relationships

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