View Full Version : Giant Ichneumon Wasp


skm0308
11-13-2009, 08:35 PM
I was sitting out in the yard this afternoon when I noticed this gal constantly going up and down this little dead maple tree. A quick run to the net told me she was a Giant Icheumon Wasp and she was laying eggs. Apparently they have to lay their eggs in the larvae of Horntail Wasps which live inside cells of wood.


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/skm0308/021.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/skm0308/017.jpg


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/skm0308/022.jpg

Tama
11-13-2009, 08:41 PM
Those are some really cool shots. Thanks for explanation too.

ThunderPaws
11-13-2009, 08:44 PM
Hi,

Unlike me your are a very talented photographer. I have a 4 shot buzz right now and those pics look even better on Grey Goose.

Cheers,
Bill

BallPythons9
11-13-2009, 09:01 PM
Dang, didn't know we had those around here! I've only seen the smaller red wasps.

JChandler
11-13-2009, 09:06 PM
Really cool, great shots!

Mrs. Sputnik
11-13-2009, 09:28 PM
Awesome pics

Quig
11-13-2009, 09:50 PM
Neat stuff. I've only seen one of those in the wild. Kinda intimidating.

skm0308
11-13-2009, 10:42 PM
Dang, didn't know we had those around here! I've only seen the smaller red wasps.


I've never seen or heard of these before either, although I know next to nothing about insects. I thought it was a red wasp at first until I noticed that long appendage behind it.

Sara
11-14-2009, 12:24 AM
We saw those this summer on some trees that Bruce had cut down, scared the crap out of me!!! And, did the same thing, ran to the 'puter to find out what it was! Supposedly they are not quick to sting, but I stayed the heck away, and one chased my older daughter all the way to the house! And the ovipositor can drill into the wood!?!? SCARY!

Great shots!!!

JOHNS6068
11-14-2009, 01:53 AM
Cool shots...Thanks for sharing :cheers:

Sputnik
11-14-2009, 02:17 AM
Great thread, the shots are slick.... very interesting!

norsmis
11-14-2009, 06:42 AM
Man those wicked! Awesome shots!

Quig
11-14-2009, 10:17 AM
And the ovipositor can drill into the wood!?!? SCARY!


Hard wood, soft wood, no difference :nono::wamma:. That's the part that freaks me. I got drilled by Cicada as a youngster. THAT HURT!!!:eek:

Sara
11-14-2009, 12:06 PM
OUCH! Can't even imagine!

SNSnakes
11-14-2009, 01:55 PM
We saw those this summer on some trees that Bruce had cut down, scared the crap out of me!!! And, did the same thing, ran to the 'puter to find out what it was! Supposedly they are not quick to sting, but I stayed the heck away, and one chased my older daughter all the way to the house! And the ovipositor can drill into the wood!?!? SCARY!

Great shots!!!

Wait! Those things are up here in MN too? :eek: I HATE wasps and hornets! Except maybe the small parasitic wasps that take out pest insects...those guys are ok...lol.

Sara
11-14-2009, 04:31 PM
Wait! Those things are up here in MN too? :eek: I HATE wasps and hornets! Except maybe the small parasitic wasps that take out pest insects...those guys are ok...lol.

Yuppers they sure are!!! At work the next day I talked to Jen from the Bell museum, she said you don't see them often, but that it was a good year for them this year. Scary poo there!

kare
11-14-2009, 06:58 PM
very cool pictures.....not looking forward to meeting any of them in person, though.

147BOAS
11-15-2009, 03:10 PM
that is some great shots wow