What demon is this, and should i be worried
- Thread starter 4cyl2vy
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robespierre
ArboristSite Operative
That looks like a tarantula hawk. They feed on nectar but hunt tarantulas to feed their young.they paralyze a tarantula and bring them down to their holes for the babies to feast on. They have the second most painful bite in the insect world. I understand it feels like a bolt of lightning.
No tarantulas in NY that I am aware of. This insect is about the size of a large black ant. Maybe something dead in the pile? They just seem to buzz around, not doing anything productive. Scouting or drawn in by the smell of something it would seem.
Erock
ArboristSite Operative
Not sure what the real name is but round here we call them stump f***ers. Never been bit by one but like said above I've heard it hurts a little.
WoodTick007
Addicted to ArboristSite
I don't know what its called, but it sure looks like a bug that if it bit people it might hurt more than a bug that bites.and doesn't hurt. Around these parts we don't have a name for any bug like that so we just say hey lookout there is one dem whutjamajiggers flying around here.
woodchuck357
Addicted to ArboristSite
Most likely a wasp of the Pimpla genus. Wasps can bite but it's the other end you have to worry about! Not these tho, you would have to squeeze one to cause it to sting you.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/687304/bgpage
http://bugguide.net/node/view/687304/bgpage
Fireaxman
ArboristSite Guru
I do not think it is a Pepsis wasp (Tarantula Hawk). The Tarantula Hawk Wasps I am familiar with from New Mexico and West Texas are very large wasps with solid black body and bright orange wings. I think is is the State Bug of New Mexico.
https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Pepsis Wasp.php
+1
If it were me I wouldn't want a swarm of these hanging around. Hit them with Raid flying insect killer until they move on.
Is there any hickory in the shed? Theres a critter that lives in the bark of cut hickory until it's big enough to go out and make more critters, looks a lot like that, a large wasp. Some call it a horntail I think?
DanTheCanadian
Weekend Warrior
I was gonna say horntail also. That's what we call them but I doubt its the proper name. I live on the other side of the border and I have them flying around here too. Never seen them cause a problem but they freak out the women and city people also.
