Steely-blue Woodwasp
ExploreInsects
Steely-blue Woodwasp
Sirex juvencus
The Steely-blue Woodwasp is a shiny blue insect that loves to live in forests. It helps trees by laying eggs in wood, which can help break down old trees and make room for new ones.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Steely-blue Woodwasp has a striking metallic blue or purplish-blue body, often with orange legs and a yellowish base to the abdomen, especially in males. Females possess a remarkably long, needle-like ovipositor extending beyond their body, used for egg-laying.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilySiricidaeGenusSirex
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its larvae live inside wood for up to three years before emerging as adults!
The female lays eggs deep inside trees, sometimes leaving behind a tiny drill hole.
They are sometimes called 'horntails' because of a spiky horn on their tail!
Unlike many wasps, this species cannot sting you – only females have an ovipositor!
Special abilities
Ability
Precision Driller
Steely-blue Woodwasp has a long, tough ovipositor that helps them bore deep into wood to lay eggs safely.
Ability
Fungal Friend
Steely-blue Woodwasp carries special fungus spores that help soften wood, making it easier for larvae to eat.
Ability
Tree Whisperer
Steely-blue Woodwasp can detect stressed trees from afar, helping them find ideal places to lay eggs.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-70 mm
- Size
- 9-38 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on wood inside trees, while adults usually don't eat or just sip tree sap.
Age differences: Larvae feed on wood, while adults typically do not feed, relying on energy reserves from the larval stage.
Primary Foods
- conifer wood
- pine wood
- spruce wood
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Scots Pine
Pinus sylvestris
Larvae tunnel and feed within the heartwood of this tree.
eats
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
Larvae also target stressed or dying spruce trees.
eats
European Silver Fir
Abies alba
Larvae develop inside the wood of this common conifer.
symbiotic with
Woodwasp Fungus
Amylostereum areolatum
Female woodwasps carry spores of this fungus to soften wood for larvae.
parasitizes
Ibalia Wasp
Ibalia leucospoides
This parasitic wasp lays its eggs on Steely-blue Woodwasp larvae.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These insects are not dangerous, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steely-blue Woodwasp's wingspan?
30-70 mm
How big is Steely-blue Woodwasp?
9-38 mm
How long does Steely-blue Woodwasp live?
7-30 days
How fast can Steely-blue Woodwasp fly?
15 km/h
What does Steely-blue Woodwasp eat?
Larvae munch on wood inside trees, while adults usually don't eat or just sip tree sap.
Where is Steely-blue Woodwasp usually found?
Forests
How does Steely-blue Woodwasp hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Steely-blue Woodwasp have?
6
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