European Wood Wasp
Sirex Noctilio
Description
The European Wood Wasp, also known as the Sirex Woodwasp, is native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. It is an invasive species is many parts of the world. The wasp has a sturdy, cylindrical body without a waist, but with a pointed abdomen. The body of the male is black, except for the orange middle part of the abdomen. The body of the female is iron blue, with orange legs and black antennas.
European Wood Wasp
Map
Green: Native Habitat
Dark Blue: Introduced Habitat
Light Blue: Predicted Future Habitat
Male and Female Wood Wasp
Habitat
The European Wood Wasp is native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. It is an invasive species is many parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, and South Africa. They mainly live in pine-rich forests, for pine trees are their biggest value.
Problems
In the state of New York, the most damage is being seen in plantation Scots, Austrian, and red pine. The death of these under performing trees has a small economic effect on the state. As to other places in the United States,
Steps Being Taken
The European Wood Wasps have become a serious pest for many species of pine. To help control them, you can capture one, if you can, and freeze it until it dies. Then, mail the frozen wasp to this address:
Rob Lawrence
Forest Entomologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
1110 S. College Ave.
Columbia, MO 65201