If you look from afar, it looks like the Pelecinids have a huge stinger. So, do American Pelecinid wasps sting? Let’s find out!
The American pelecinid wasp belongs to the family Pelecinidae and is a new world wasp. This little insect can appear to be scary with its long, curled, stinger-like organ.
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But in reality, it’s a curled abdomen and not a stinger.
American pelecinid wasps don’t sting. Their curled abdomen acts like a faux stinger when ambushed or attacked, as they may simply jab it against the predator.
However, these insects are not poisonous and will not sting.
What Are American Pelecinid Wasps?
American pelecinid wasps are parasitoid wasps belonging to the superfamily of Proctotrupoidea and Pelecinidae. They are the only species to fall under the genus Pelecinus.
Parasitoids should not be confused with parasites. They’re somewhere between parasites and predators.
While parasites keep their host alive, parasitoids kill the host tissue to survive.
An interesting point of information is that most of the APW population occurring in North America is female.
Male APWs are almost non-existent. Female wasps do not need a mate to reproduce.
They breed through a method called parthenogenesis, where eggs do not need to be fertilized to develop an embryo.
What Do They Look Like?
The American pelecinid wasps (APWs henceforth) are black in color, thin, and have a glossy appearance with very long antennae.
While female APW grows up to two and a half inches in size, the male adult wasp grows only upto an inch.
A distinct thing about their appearance is their long, curled abdomen that looks like a stinger or a tail.
Despite their relatively small size, the abdomen of female wasps is almost five times their body size.
They use this to deposit eggs directly on the host. The abdomen of male wasps is shorter than that of females. APWs also have short wings and are slow flyers.
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Where Are They Found?
Geographically, APWs are widespread across North America as well as Central and South America.
In the North, they are spotted across the eastern states and east of the Rocky Mountains. They’re also commonly found in Canada and Argentina.
As far as their habitat is concerned, these shiny black wasps inhabit open fields, grasslands, forest edges, woodlands, and gardens. They’re usually found on the forest floor as they tend to fly closer to the ground. APWs are also found in deciduous forests.
What Do They Eat?
The adult wasp feeds on pollen, nectar, and water. This is why you will often notice APWs inside flowers and in gardens. They’re a herbivore species of wasps.
Their larvae, however, are parasitoids and feed on their host. When it’s time to lay eggs, female wasps will fly close to the ground and lay the egg on June beetle larvae, i.e., white grubs.
They do so with the help of their curved abdomen.
Once the larva hatches, it feeds on the grub until it dies. At this point, the immature wasp will continue to feed on the grub tissue till it pupates in the same soil.
Are American Pelecinid Wasps Dangerous?
American pelecinid wasps are not dangerous as far as species of wasps go. Their appearance is scary with their curled black abdomens that look like a long stinger.
But these are harmless wasps.
Adult APWs are herbivores and live on a pollen, nectar, and water diet.
Do They Sting/Bite?
As discussed above, American pelecinid wasps do not have stingers. They have a curled abdomen used to deposit eggs and act as faux stingers to scare predators.
At most, they may use the abdomen to push a predator or threat away. But beyond that, they are not capable of biting or stinging.
Are They Poisonous Venomous?
No, American pelecinid wasps are not poisonous or venomous. Their abdomen is actually the long, narrow organ resembling a stinger or a tail.
And since they have no proper stinger, there is no way for them to deposit any kind of poison or venom.
Are American Pelecinid Wasps Beneficial?
American pelecinid wasps play a dual ecological role in the environment. One is controlling insect pest populations carried out by the wasp larvae.
Second, they play the role of pollinators once they mature into adult wasps.
Let’s take a more detailed look at these two roles.
American pelecinid wasps are beneficial in controlling the populations of June beetles.
The white beetle grubs feed on the roots of plants and can pose potential issues in the crop and grass systems.
The female wasps track down the white grubs of June beetles and lay their eggs on them.
The pelecinid wasp larvae are parasitoids that feed on the exoskeleton of the beetle grubs and feed on it till it dies.
And it’s not limited to June beetles. Parasitoid wasps are essential in naturally controlling the population of insect pests.
They lay eggs on top of arthropods and cause their death by feeding on them.
In their second role as pollinators, once the larvae mature into adult wasps, they step into their essential role in pollination, like bees and butterflies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pelecinus polyturator bite?
American Pelecinid Wasps do not generally bite humans, and they even appear to avoid human disturbance.
However, they will bite if they feel threatened or come into contact with skin. Their venom is not deadly, although it can cause discomfort and swelling.
It is best to leave them alone if you spot them around your home, as they are beneficial creatures that help reduce garden pests.
Where is the American Pelecinid wasp found?
The American Pelecinid wasp is found in most parts of the United States and Canada, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America.
It prefers dry, arid regions with little vegetation or water. In particular, it is commonly found in desert-like environments such as cactus-rich areas, roadsides, and urban centers.
This species of wasp is part of the spider wasp family and can be identified by its black body and long abdomen, which looks like a stinger.
What is a scorpion wasp?
Scorpion wasps are a family of insects well known for their spectacular morphological structure, with the ability to paralyze or even kill their prey before eating it.
These wasps have venomous barbed stingers and vary in size from 10-45 mm long. They come in a range of colors, from black to yellow and red, depending on the species.
The larvae feed on paralyzed arthropods that are brought back to the nest by their mothers.
Adult wasps feed mainly on flower nectar and are important pollinators within their ecosystems.
What does a scorpion wasp look like?
The scorpion wasp is a metallic black or blue colored, medium-sized insect with some yellow markings.
Its wings are long and narrow, and it typically measures about one inch in length.
It has two long, curved antennae as well as two pairs of short and stout legs which give it the appearance of a small crab or crayfish.
Its most notable feature is its large stinger located near the end of its body which can be used to paralyze prey before consuming them.
The scorpion wasp is an impressive and remarkable species.
Wrap Up
American pelecinid wasps are a harmless species of wasps. They have a long narrow organ that looks like a stinger but is an elongated abdomen.
The females use the curled abdomen to lay eggs during the breeding season.
In the absence of a proper stinger, these wasps are not capable of biting or stinging.
Thank You.
126 Comments. Leave new
OMG!! I live in Fargo, ND too and just saw this same bug on my window screen at about 6:30 pm tonight and was so freaked out by it. My husband sprayed it with Lysol and it flew away. I had no idea what kind of bug it was so I was searching on line and this site was so helpful. Thanks!!
I have to say, I’m happy this site exists and I now know what it is I pulled out of my hair today while driving in my car! I must admit I was screaming while doing so and believe I will have nightmares tonight, as you can see I am a wimp when it comes to bugs! What I would like to know is, are these bugs harmless and how long do they stick around? I’ve only just noticed them today…I live in Ottawa, ON Canada
For the moment we are going to just speculate and not research. We hope your nightmares are not too severe because the American Pelecinid poses no threat to you. The female uses her long, jointed abdomen to locate the grubs of June Beetles underground and she lays an egg on or near each grub which subsequently gets eaten alive by the growing Pelecinid larva. A female Wasp that needs to locate living prey for each egg she lays usually lives long enough to lay six or seven eggs. If it is a very good year for prey, she may lay considerably more eggs. That really depends on the hunting. We are guessing, based on the duration of time that we are in receipt of letters requesting that we identify Stump Stabbers, Cicada Killers and Great Golden Digger Wasps, that female predatory, solitary wasps live up to six weeks. In a specific region, they have a limited time when they can be observed.
Thank you bugman, I appreciate the info and you have put my mind to rest! I wish now I would have taken a picture while it was sitting in the passenger seat of my car! I don’t think I will ever get over the feeling of pulling it out of my hair but at least I know they are not harmful. We did have many June beetles here this year, or so I thought but I really haven’t noticed them around for probably at least 3 weeks now. Is that an indication that these bugs will soon not have anything to reproduce with until next year?
American Pelecinid females prey upon larval June Beetles. If there were many June Beetles this year, they probably produced many eggs and future grubs, too early for the American Pelecinid you discovered to take advantage of that bounty, however, there might be numerous grubs this year as well.
We saw one of these guys this evening, my husband spotted it and wondered what it was. I’ve seen them before, but never more than one or two in a season. Didn’t see one at all last year. They certainly can cause a commotion when people see them for the first time! Not that my husband is likely to freak over an insect, even if it is rather large, black and intimidating. He just asks me about it.
Bugophile in Winnipeg
We just found one here in Bagley, Minnesota. At first glance I thought it was crazy scary, so it was killed. whoops
I just found one in Nova Scotia Canada. I backed away very quickly lol.
Just found one in my room near SB, Ca.
The reason I am here is one of these turned up in my back yard, September 21 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Pretty far north and pretty late in the year by the sounds of it.
I certainly have never seen one before!
The reason I am here is one of these turned up in my back yard, September 21 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Pretty far north and pretty late in the year by the sounds of it.
I certainly have never seen one before!
My friend found one in Canada
Found one in winnipeg, MB, Canada today.
Found one in Lockport Mb
We found one of these while building our deck on the back of our home in Bremen Indiana. Kinda freaked they guys out who were building our deck…..Really funny to see a bunch of grown men freak out over such a small insect….However, it does look creepy and dangerous.
Luckily it is harmless to humans.
I just found one of these in Prince Edward Island, Canada tonight. It sure was creepy looking and coming too close to my infant son for my liking- so it was killed… Oooops!
Glad to hear it’s not harmful to humans. I’ll know if I see one again.
This is so interesting. I’ve been fascinated by insects my entire life and had never seen or heard of this one before.
I was in PEI (Cavendish) this weekend also and saw one. Immediately searched the internet for classification and saw your comment.
I just found one of these in Prince Edward Island, Canada tonight. It sure was creepy looking and coming too close to my infant son for my liking- so it was killed… Oooops!
Glad to hear it’s not harmful to humans. I’ll know if I see one again.
This is so interesting. I’ve been fascinated by insects my entire life and had never seen or heard of this one before.
I was in PEI (Cavendish) this weekend also and saw one. Immediately searched the internet for classification and saw your comment.
I wanted to be an entomologist when I was younger and I always laugh at people who are afraid of or disgusted by bugs … however; I was vacuuming my bedroom tonight and this horrific looking creature was writhing on the carpet arching its back and stabbing with its incredibly long and dangerous looking abdomen. This summer, we have been seeing some unusual insects for the Northeastern U.S. and this thing freaked me out. I thought this hellish creature looked like a winged scorpion and although my first temptation was to vacuum the damn thing up, I gave in to my scientific sensibilities, captured it and looked it up online. In my Google search, I used the keywords “scorpion, ant, wasp, spider, wings” and found it here on your site. Seeing as it kills June-bug larvae, I’m keeping it in my killing jar as a specimen. I kind of like June-bugs!
We just found one in our yard. ON Canada
We seen one of these in kemptville ontario canada never seen one around before.
While watering my garden I noticed what I thought was a winged scorpion. I am afraid it met an untimely death. Since then I have found two more on my deck both joined their brethren. I guess knowing their usefulness (hate
junebugs) I will be careful not to harm anymore.
While watering my garden I noticed what I thought was a winged scorpion. I am afraid it met an untimely death. Since then I have found two more on my deck both joined their brethren. I guess knowing their usefulness (hate
junebugs) I will be careful not to harm anymore.
Just saw one in my yard in Owings, Maryland
My daughter saw one land on her window & it freaked her out so I took a picture of it & found it on your site. We’re in New Brunswick, Canada
So this bug was flying around our house this morning and my mom and I decided to look it up and we found this page. Then I noticed the lady who asked the question about the bug was named Shelly and her daughters name was Jenna and ironically my name is Jenna and my moms name is Shelly! It was so funny finding the answer to our question like it was actually written to us! Lol thank you for the information!
Saw this today on my brothers veranda in Cape Breton !Nova Scotia..Looks like a skinny scorpion,weird looking.
We saw one on the beach at lake Anisle, Cape Breton, then today I noticed one on my deck here in Sydney, NS. My husband wouldn’t let us kill it. Glad we didn’t, I hate June Bugs.
We found one in Cape breton island canada
Just found one of these guys on my front porch (NE Missouri)! Very odd and had to know what it was.
We just found a momma with her baby on my sisters back yard tree here in Thornton Colorado
American Pelecinids do not care for their young.
Just saw one about 5 minutes ago down in La Vergne, TN.
I just seen one a little while ago it was on it ground looked weird as he’ll but I grabbed little stick it let me stretch it’s tail out which it does looks like a stinger I checked it out for a couple of minutes I let be it’s a beautiful insect mane I came in the house went back outside on my phone and the same little insect landed on me. It has good energy about it..
Found already-dead being pulled by ants going into their sandhill home in Wisconsin today.
Just found one in Fredericton NB.
Yep, in Fredericton too, and seem to have quite a few under my apple tree… Never saw them before this summer and now have seen a bunch.
Dang I freaked out when I saw one on our flower put today. That tall loomed dripping with poison. . . Lol gotta so watching scary movies. Denver CO
Those Things can be killed by just getting their tail cut off. I learned that the hard way…
The reason I Google this is I found one in Minneapolis Minnesota and it creeped me out but luckily I let it live. At first I thought it was just a dragonfly and then I saw it still curl up like a scorpion …creepy. at least they didn’t scream like the guys
We just seen one here in the up of michign.
Down here in good ol’ Georgia
I have seen around a dozen of these around the yard here in Gagetown New Brunswick … Never saw one before … Google sent me here too !
Looks like a black scorpion tailed mini-dragonfly / wasp !
I have seen around a dozen of these around the yard here in Gagetown New Brunswick … Never saw one before … Google sent me here too !
Looks like a black scorpion tailed mini-dragonfly / wasp !
They are plentiful here in Halifax, Nova Scotia this year. First time we’ve seen them was a couple months ago and now as summer progresses we see a few everyday in our yard.
The female lays her eggs where they will hatch near May Beetle grubs that are living below the surface of the soil. During years when prey is plentiful, populations of predators also increase.
They do sting..my daughter just got stung a few minutes ago. Not fun
Just found one in our swimming pool in South Carolina.
Hi. Just saw one of these here in DC this lovely September evening. The tail was straight as it only alighted for a moment to get it description so I could post this comment and it was off again..Since my kids have grown out of toddlerhood, I have enjoyed gardening and finding so many new bugs to peak my curiosity has me doing a lot of searches. Thanks for your site!
My friend had one of these on her windshield we live in Presque Isle Maine it was seen on September 7 the 2016 have they been seen in this area before & are they poisonous & do they bite or sting ?
To the best of our knowledge, they are not harmful to humans.
This morning got one like this on my car (Montreal, Quebec), at first it was kind of creepy and scary, my 3 yrs old son was really amazed by it so we just let fly away.
Just saw one on my car windshield in North Carolina. Creeped me out I just froze googled it then looked up and it was gone. Never seen one before and I’m out in the country I’ve seen all types but nothing like this ?
had one fly in my house in ohio
I found one in my backyard Ontario, Canada. then I saw this page. Glad to know it is not harmful.
We’ve been seeing these for the first time ever in the London, Ontario (Canada) area. I say for the first time because I’m 63 years old and have never seen anything like them. My daughter just removed and set free, one that was hanging out on my wall and we have seen one at her place, too. Beyond creepy! We didn’t know if that scorpion tail would sting us or not, so glad to know it’s not after humans. And it is very welcome to eat our grubs. 🙂
We found one on our dining window in National City MI. Did a search for dragon fly with scorpion tale and was directed here. Great to know it eats junebug larva… can’t stand those Beatles lol. Thanks Bugman for the info. This lil guy is safe here today.
Have seen a couple here in SouthEastern PEI….. Interesting for sure, NOT that pretty !
So far this summer I have seen 6 of these while camping in the Adirondack Mt’s near Saranac Lake NY.
Northern Indiana…..Just saw one of these for the first time in my 50 years on this earth. It’s a creepy looking wasp but aren’t they all? Anyways, it’s good to see something different in the area I live.
Just saw one in Ohio, didn’t know what it was, but I sure have plenty of June bugs for it to eat.
One of these just fell in my sisters margarita passed out than woke up. Lol. We are in Massachusetts
Saw one today in Toronto, Canada. So cool I had to take pictures.
We found one of these in mid August in Southern Ontario, Canada.
One was on my deck table in Amherst NS . Creepy looking insect !
I just saw one on the side of my garage, next to the door when I was bringing our puppy back inside. I freaked out and grabbed him because he loves to eat bugs ?. I have seen some pretty creepy bugs in our area lately, but this one definitely takes the cake. (Near Pittsburgh, PA.)
Thanks for sharing!
I just saw one on the side of my garage, next to the door when I was bringing our puppy back inside. I freaked out and grabbed him because he loves to eat bugs ?. I have seen some pretty creepy bugs in our area lately, but this one definitely takes the cake. (Near Pittsburgh, PA.)
Thanks for sharing!
Interior camping in East side of Algonquin Park on Sec Lake last weekend. Found one of these guys, and like many before me, I stepped on it and now feel terrible. Glad I researched it so I know for the future.
In your defense, they are frightening looking to some people.
found one Winnipeg Manitoba sitting on the box of my truck caught it and searched for it and was sent to your site question it bite by one what would happen
We doubt a bite would even pierce the skin.
I live in Ontario Canada and i just found one of these guys in my back yard. Really cool looking creatures.
We have a lot of these in PEI. I watched one today carrying long pieces of dried grass on strand at a time and pulling it up under my outside windowsill, I’m assuming it was making a nest.
Saw one today for the first time in Hammonds Plains, NS, Canada. Creepy looking thing 🙁
Saw one on my JD Tractor windshield while working in the bush just outside Rockland, Ontario. It did freak me out so I had to find out if it was dangerous…glad to hear that it’s not after humans. Sept 2, 2017
Just found one in New.
Brunswick Canada…are they invasive?
No, they are native.
Just found one in New.
Brunswick Canada…are they invasive?
Just found one in Davisburg, Michigan. Yes, they are creepy not knowing if they are harmful or not. Glad to find your post here. Thanks!
Today we found one on our widow! We had to google to find out where it is from! Never seen one before. N.S.
I just saw one here in Penobscot County, Hampden, Maine in my yard.
Are they dangerous?
American Pelecinids are not dangerous.
I just saw one here in Penobscot County, Hampden, Maine in my yard.
Are they dangerous?
We found one , well, it was a large and skinny insect, on a ferry going to Vinalhaven, Maine. Is the American Pelecinid large?
Large is relative. According to BugGuide: “♀♀ 51-62 mm.”
I have a Light greenish/light yellow version. It has butterfly wings, (fairly small on each sholder) There are 2 wings.and it had 3 stingers and 3 eyes inbetween its eyes. If you can´t figure it out, ill send it to a lab.
A Mayfly perhaps.
Just found one in rural Farmington, Iowa.
Thank goodness.
I couldn’t find nemotodes anywhere and had major grub issues in my backyard.
Would like to know if these pose a threat to any vegetation I might be growing.
In particular, cucumber, tomato, peppers etc.
Looking forward to feedback,
As it stands now it looks as though this insect is a true blessing!!!!
Thank goodness.
I couldn’t find nemotodes anywhere and had major grub issues in my backyard.
Would like to know if these pose a threat to any vegetation I might be growing.
In particular, cucumber, tomato, peppers etc.
Looking forward to feedback,
As it stands now it looks as though this insect is a true blessing!!!!
American Pelecinids will not harm your vegetables.
Had one try to hitch a ride on my soda can while we were out boating on a lake just north of Duluth, MN. Very interesting insect. Looked menacing, but it flew off when I shooed it away.
Saw one today on my RV in Bar Harbor ME. Thought it was a cross between an ant, scorpion and a dragonfly.
I’m in Webb Lake, Wisconsin and have been seeing a lot of these this year.
Seen many in Grand-Falls NB Canada
A bunch here in Hibbing, MN. Figured it killed mosquitoes so we leave them alone. ?
Not mosquitoes. They prey on Scarab Beetle larvae.
Saw one today in the evening sunlight cleaning itself on an orange kayak, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It’s body and parts of its legs looked an iridescent blue in the sunlight and it was absolutely the most beautiful “wasp” I have ever seen. I got to watch it clean itself for a good 3 minutes… awesome. Not so awesome are the grubs I have in the lawn.
I had one in my yard after the hurricane, I always look to see what different type of species show up after a storm like that. creepy looking. Can you tell me are they a pest to be concerned about that may destroy grass or plants.
Found one on my dad’s house in Sherman Maine.
Had one trying to stick me in my leg with its tale,well it’s dead now,scary looking found in ontario
Found one in Madison Maine. Glad I found out what it is. Happy to know that it will be eating June bugs.
Found this bug in the yard this morning. The first I have ever seen in my 80 odd years on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Did not kill it and took a picture of it to find out what it is. Glad to know that it is not dangerous. August 21/19
Just saw one here in Saginaw, Michigan flying on our porch while a storm rolled in. It’s still alive and doing what it’s supposed to do.
i live in maine and saw one resting on my steps
found one in my small animal water (outside dish for grounded animals) picked it up and carried it around thinking it was dead. about a half hour later it got up and left. have seen another one in the grass (which now i know why), i won’t kill anything on purpose, but glad to know more about them. just like mud wasps, bit creepy but glad i found out more on them. kitchener, ontario, canada
This thing can bite and they will swell up if your skin is sensitive. Very scary
We just had one on our w8ndshild up in Michigan.
Worthington, MN. Dawn on a warm, muggy morning after a day of rain. It landed next to me while I was working on my patio picnic table. Walked slowly around. Got lots of iPhone pics of it from a couple inches away. Short lifespan, evidently. When you mash them with a notebook. Oops.
Have seen two (or maybe one twice) in Detroit Lakes, MN. Sure glad we don’t have to continue to be freaked out by them.
This is my first ever sighting of this insect anywhere, which happened in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada today.
From what I could gather, they are a parasitic wasp of June Beetle grubs, which are abundant here. Although, we’ve also had some a recent new pest in the last few years called the Japanese Emerald Beetle which are currently coming out to mate and feed on various vines and deciduous trees but only endemic.
My question for the experts is if this Parasitic Wasp also able to go after the Japanese Beetle grubs?
Thanks for any info.
I’d be interested to know too. I see these in both Nova Scotia, and in Hawaii. There are no June bugs here in Hawaii, so what are they preying on?
We had never seen these before, but found 2 this week on our deck. Creeped me out, but I don’t automatically kill bugs, so looked it up and got to this site. Glad to find it’s not harmful to humans and that they are after June bug grubs! Thanks for the info!
Seen this morning in French Village N.S. Moving east! We should tell the UK to watch out!
Just seen one in Winnipeg, MB at my front door! August 13, 2021
i just had one land on my arm and thought I was going to loose my mind as it was so wierd looking and brushed it off and it went away. Never have seen one of these before, yuk.
Saw one of these on my window yesterday morning!
I’ve seen them a few times now the last few days. First time I ever seen these weird black bugs on L’Ile-du-Grand-calumet, Quebec, Canada. I’ GLAD I found this item.
Found one on my screen today and it was frightening. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I started looking on the internet and was able to identify it from my photo. I’m glad I got a picture before it flew away.
Saw one in Selkirk Manitoba, Canada August 25 2021
One landed on my golf clubs today in Richmond, Ontario. First time I have ever seen one. Wondered if it was a dragonfly but the wings were small and the tail was so unusual.
I just found this website by looking up “insect with a scorpion-like tail.” It’s definitely a pelecinid, seen in Montreal, QC, just now.
Pretty sure I’ve seen this in my flower garden recently, but it is a beautiful blue color. Have seen one twice now, are some of them blue? Mulvane, Kansas
We used to play with these when I was 7 or 8 years old.