Fungus-symbiosis
Guides
Sirex
horntail, wood wasp
Sirex is a genus of horntail woodwasps in the family Siricidae. These insects are characterized by an obligate mutualistic relationship with wood-decaying fungi, which they carry in specialized abdominal organs called mycangia and introduce into host trees during oviposition. The fungus digests wood cellulose, providing nutrition for the developing larvae. The genus includes significant forest pests, notably Sirex noctilio, which has become invasive in multiple continents outside its native range.