Giant ichneumon wasp

7237.        Picture taken June 22nd, 2021 on a tree close to the red River. Winnipeg, MB. Canada

Number 7237. This is Megarhyssa atrata, a giant ichneumon wasp (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). These wasps use their long ovipositor to insert their eggs into the tunnels made by larvae of wood wasps in the family Siricidae. When the eggs hatch, the ichneumon larvae feed on the wood wasp larvae. These wasps have no stinger or venom, and are harmless to humans. Giant Ichneumon Wasp Life History