Sirex Woodwasp

The Sirex Woodwasp is a large wasp from the Horntail family. The adults have dark bodies and orange legs. The males get distinguished for their orange abdomen, unlike the females. The females additionally have a spine at the end of their abdomen. The adults have a cylindrical body with the pointed abdomen. The females have a 15-36mm long body while the males are smaller with 9-32mm long body. The adults have black, long and bristle shaped antennae. The female wasps lay two eggs at one time. While laying eggs, the wasps may release mucoid substance and symbiotic fungus. The larvae feed on the fungus after hatching. The mucoid substance released by the wasps is toxic to the trees which slowly kills the tree.