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Flying bug, Orange and black, looks like bee
Location:  Southcentral Alaska, Hillside Anchorage AK
August 5, 2010 9:17 pm
These were flying around outside my garage, and I’ve seen them at my cabin, around 50 miles away as well. Any help would be appreciated in identifying them, as I do not know if they eat rotten wood, other animals, or ??. Thank you in advance.
Aaron

Giant Wood Wasp

Hi Aaron,
This appears to be a Giant Wood Wasp, Urocerus gigas, a species introduced from Eurasia.  According to BugGuide:  “It tunnels in wood. One of the most dangerous pests of conifers” and it “Attacks five or more genera of Pinaceae.“  It is also pictured on the Invasive.org website.  It is also pictured on the Wood Boring Insects of Alaska website.  There is also a native subspecies.  We are seeking assistance regarding if this individual is native or introduced.

Giant Wood Wasp

Correction thanks to Brian Sullivan of APHIS
Good to hear from you Daniel.
Yes I am still with APHIS.
The native subspecies Urocerus gigas flavicoris (Fabricius) does occur in Alaska.
Distribution: Labrador to Alaska, south to New Hampshire, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Looks like a fine female.
I am always interested in possible exotics but can totally understand the direct contacting.
Keep up the good work as always
Brian

So, this individual is native and not the introduced subspecies?

Yes, it appears to be the case of a native.
Matches up with the guide I used for a fast ID.
I am getting ready to go on a much needed vacation and trying to clear my plate but make sure I looked it up real quick for you.
Brian Sullivan
Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist
APHIS

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