Giant Woodwasp
Giant Woodwasp - Urocerus gigas
Alternative names
Banded Horntail, Greater Horntail Wasp
Description
The last tergite of the abdomen has a strong, projecting spike, thus giving the group its common name of horntail. This is a very large (up to 4 cm long) sawfly with a distinctive yellow and black banded abdomen.
Designation
Indicator Species - Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Identification difficulty
Habitat
Usually found in or near coniferous woods.
When to see it
May to October.
Life History
The larvae feed on dead wood.
UK Status
British status to follow.
VC55 Status
Status in Leicestershire and Rutland to follow.
Further Information
Carole Lunn
Measham
14 July 2020
Katie Field
Wymondham, Leicestershire
20 July 2023
Andy Lear
Launde Park Wood
21/06/2017
egg-laying on Cedar log
Conner Ockenden
Enderby, Grove Park, Thorpe Way
11 July 2019
JesWoodhead
Cropston
26 July 1990
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
Enter a town or village to see local records
MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020
UK Map
Additional images
