Sirex Woodwasp

  • Male
    Male
  • Female
    Female

Sirex Woodwasp

Sirex noctilio F.

Order: 
Hymenoptera
Family: 
Siricidae

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Description

Wood boring wasp with a one year life cycle. Dark blue or black abdomen with yellow legs. Males middle segments are orange. About 1-1.5 inches long, large ovipositor on females. Larvae are white and have a spine at the end of their abdomen.

Host Plants

Prefers Scotch, Austrian, maritime pines, and many more.

Pathway of Introduction and Spread

Originally introduced from Europe, Asia, and N. Africa. First found in Indiana in 2002, established in New York in 2005. Spreads through movement of solid wood packing material.

Symptoms

Foliage wilts and changes color to eventually red. Resin beads from egg laying sites. Exit holes that are 1/8-3/8 inch diameter. Females inject a fungus, a toxic mucous, and eggs into trees to provide a good environment for the larvae.

Location in Nebraska

No known infestations in Nebraska. Currently found in several states across the U.S., but seemingly absent from the Central Midwest states.

More Information

Don’t Move Firewood website

Photo Credits: 

David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org