Megarhyssa macrurus (common name giant ichneumon wasp ), is a large ichneumon bee species.
This is a parasitoid, known for its very long ovipositor used to store eggs into tunnels in dead wood that are bored by its host, the larvae of the same species as large from the tail horn. Other common names are stumpber stabber which refers to this behavior.
Video Megarhyssa macrurus
Etymology
Macrurus is derived from the Greek makrÃÆ'³s ( ?????? ) meaning" long ", and oÃÆ'¹rÃÆ'¡ ( ???? ) which means tail.
Maps Megarhyssa macrurus
Description
Megarhyssa macrurus has a reddish brown body about 2 inches (51 mm). It has black and yellow-orange stripes. The wings are transparent and the body is elongated. The body and the joint ovipositor can have a length greater than 5 inches (130 mm). Male is smaller (and has no ovipositor).
Ovipositor
The ovipositor appears as a single filament, but consists of three filaments. The middle filament is a true ovipositor capable of drilling wood. This central filament also appears as a single filament, but is made of two parts. These sections have a spear end at the end. They lock each other up and glide at each other.
Although very thin, the ovipositor is a tube and the egg moves down the minute channel in the middle during laying. The two outer filaments are the sheath protecting the ovipositor. They come out to the side during laying.
Distribution
M. macrurus is found in the eastern part of the United States, reaching the southern tip of Canada near the Great Lakes.
Behavior
M. macrurus is not harmful to humans; they are parasitoids in the pigeon horntail larvae ( Tremex columba , Symphyta), which give birth to tunnels in decayed wood. Women Megarhyssa macrurus are able to detect these larvae through bark, and lay their eggs on it; within a few weeks, the larvae of Megarhyssa will consume their masters and pupae. They will appear as adults next summer.
Subspecies
Subspecies include:
- M. m. icterosticta , Michener, 1939
- M. m. lunator
- M. m. macrurus (Linnaeus, 1771)
References
External links
- High-quality images Megarhyssa macrurus
- Videos from Megarhyssa macrurus Ovi Overview
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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