Quabbin Critters: Lunar Giant Ichneumon (Megarhyssa macrurus icterosticta)

Family of parasitic wasps. Female curls ovipositor up over abdomen then down at right angle to Pigeon Horntail and related borers larval tunnels, as can be seen in last photo, where it then deposits a parasitic egg. It is an important species in controlling insect populations. Photographed June 1, 2001 at Beaver Pond below G-36.

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