Rhyssinae
Guides
Rhyssa ponderosae
Rhyssa ponderosae is a species of ichneumonid wasp in the subfamily Rhyssinae, described by Townes in 1960. Members of the genus Rhyssa are among the largest ichneumonid wasps and are known for their exceptionally long ovipositors used to parasitize wood-boring beetle larvae. The specific epithet "ponderosae" suggests an association with ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), though this host relationship requires confirmation. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in the scientific literature.