The Giant Ichneumon Wasp is a remarkable parasitoid wasp where the female's ovipositor can reach 5 inches long — among the longest appendages relative to body size of any insect. She uses it to drill through several inches of hardwood to reach the larva of the Pigeon Horntail wood wasp burrowed inside, parasitizing it with her egg. Despite its alarming needle-like tail, the ovipositor is entirely harmless to humans.
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests with dead or dying trees
Diet
Larvae: internal tissues of Pigeon Horntail wasp larvae inside wood. Adults: nectar
How common
Uncommon
Recent Giant Ichneumon Wasp sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Giant Ichneumon Wasp? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free