Megarhyssa atrata explained

Megarhyssa atrata, also known as the black giant ichneumonid wasp, is a species of large ichneumon wasp. It is known from North America,^[1] where it is found from Quebec, Michigan, Ohio and North and South Carolina to Florida.^[2]

Adults are on wing from May to July.

Behavior

The larvae are parasitoids of the larvae of the woodwasp Tremex columba in dead deciduous trees.^[3]

Female M. atrata burrow into wood with their ovipositor while secreting a substance that breaks down the wood.^[4]

Notes and References

1. http://www.insectimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5019037 Megarhyssa atrata
2. Web site: Bug Guide . Bug Guide . 2012-01-17.
3. Pook. Victoria. Sharkey. Michael. Wahl. David. 2016-01-04. Key to the species of Megarhyssa (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Rhyssinae) in America, north of Mexico. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. en. 63. 1. 137–148. 10.3897/dez.63.7619. 1860-1324. free.
4. Le Lannic . Joseph . Nénon . J.-P. . 1999-10-01 . Functional morphology of the ovipositor in Megarhyssa atrata (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) and its penetration into wood . Zoomorphology . en . 119 . 2 . 73–79 . 10.1007/s004350050082 . 1432-234X.