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Pelecinid Wasp

Pelecinus polyturator

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45.0024, -93.1248

Field Notes

Description:

Very long black wasp (approx. 3 inches). The male is much shorter and doesn't have the long ovipositor of the female.

Habitat:

I find them in open areas with scattered trees.

Notes:

These wasps look like they could deliver a nasty sting, but, if so, I've never had one sting me, although I tend to handle them gently! The female uses her long ovipositor to search underground for June beetle larvae. Once she finds one, she will insert an egg into the larvae. When the wasp egg hatches, it literally eats its host from the inside out! They are really impressive insects...

Reference Links:

Pelecinus

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
Gordon Dietzman
The pelecinid flies very slowly with its combination of bulk and tiny wings so when one is flushed off the ground where it is searching for prey, one would think that it would be easy to follow. Not so. The black coloration acts as camouflage against the mottled green of summer. One moment they are flying along a few feet away and suddenly they just disappear. They are really amazing insects.
Carolina
Yes, Gordon! Very cool! And I found interesting the info you gave us about the female ovipositor.

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2011 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedMay 14, 2011

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