Exploring the Life of Mammoth Wasps: Essential Facts
Did you find a huge wasp in your yard and are afraid of it? Don’t worry; it is likely the mammoth wasp. We will share all the necessary details about this wasp in the article below.
When you think of wasps, you probably picture the small, black, and yellow insects that buzz around your picnic table.
But did you know that there is a species of wasp that is almost as big as your hand?
That’s right; Mammoth wasps can grow up to nearly two inches long!
They are found in various parts of the world, including North and South America, Africa, and Asia.
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Despite their intimidating size, mammoth wasps are actually fascinating creatures that play an important role in their ecosystems.
In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics and behaviors of these giant insects.
What Are Mammoth Wasps?
The mammoth wasps are the largest wasp species in the European region. They are also known as Megascolia maculate.
These giant wasps belong to the Scolidae family of insects.
Mammoth wasp sightings are most common during warmer weather. May to August is a good time to spot them flying around flowers, seeking nectar.
Also, these species of wasps are not social. They are solitary and unlikely to be seen in a group.
Let us look at a few details to help you identify these wasps.
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What Does A Mammoth Wasp Eat?
Mammoth wasps can have a body length of up to 1.77 inches body length. The female wasps are comparatively bigger than the male adult wasps.
They can be identified by the striking orange-red, yellow heads with fine bristly hair and black body.
They have huge mandibles and some bright yellow spots in the abdomen.
At times these black wasps can be confused with the hairy flower wasp (Scolia Hirta). The former is comparatively larger in size. Also, the flower wasps have a black-colored head!
As for their diet is concerned, the mammoth beetles consume nectar from flowers.
The females hunt the grubs of Rhino beetle grubs to lay the eggs(this will be discussed in detail in upcoming sections).
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Where Do Mammoth Wasps Live?
Mammoth wasps are mostly found in various parts of Hungary, and southern Europe, including the Czech Republic; They prefer to be around warm and dry places.
They are also found in various regions of the United States, like Missouri.
Since they are parasitic wasps, they rely on rhino beetle grubs to develop. The female mammoth wasps track a rhino beetle grub to lay eggs inside its skin.
Hence, they frequently visit spots like decayed logs, tree stumps in the ground, and more to search for the hosts.
You can also find them flying around nectar-rich flowers like Dwarf Elderberry, Field Eryngo, White Horehound, etc.
Life Cycle of A Mammoth Wasp
The mammoth wasp life cycle occurs in four stages: The eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult stage.
Being solitary and parasitic, the female starts searching for a suitable host to lay the eggs after mating.
They usually go for the Rhinoceros beetle larva. In some cases, the females target other beetle species like stag beetles, Polyphylla Fullo, and more.
The female searches for spots like decaying wood and digs into them to track the host larvae.
On tracking the host, she uses her sting to paralyze the host. Once that is done, she carefully lays an egg inside the skin of the rhino beetle larva.
On hatching, the wasp larvae consume the host from the outside.
Once these larvae eat the host entirely, they get big enough to start pupating.
Here they start weaving a reddish cocoon around the body. They stay inside the cocoon throughout the winter before emerging as adult wasps with beautiful yellow bands from the soil in spring.
After emerging as adults, they start visiting various flowers in search of nectar and mates to repeat the same cycle.
Interestingly, the male wasps hatch a little earlier than the females and usually fly to heights of 19-59 inches in search of female mates.
How Long Do Mammoth Wasps Live?
As mentioned earlier, mammoth wasps live longer as a larva and pupas.
They stay in the pupal stage throughout the winter and emerge during spring.
Adult wasps do not live for long. They are not able to survive the winter and usually die before the season arrives.
Also, out in the wild, these insects are hunted down by predators like birds.
Do They Bite?
Yes, mammoth wasps have stingers, and they can sting humans.
But these stinging insects are not aggressive toward humans and will not attack unless they are threatened.
They use stingers to paralyze host species like rhino beetle larvae.
However, you must not be reckless and manhandle them.
Are They Poisonous/Venomous?
Mammoth wasps do not use their stingers to inflict pain on humans.
Also, these are entirely harmless and are not poisonous. But they will sting if you try to manhandle or threaten them.
If you spot a mammoth wasp, watch it from a distance and do not try to touch it.
Are They Harmful or Beneficial to Humans?
Due to their intimidating size and appearance, people consider them dangerous, but they are not.
These insects are beneficial to humans as they promote cross-pollination. Being active consumers of nectar, they fall on flowers like milkweed, hollyhock, lavender, silk plant, and more.
Doing so helps to transfer the pollens across various regions. Also, they can help get rid of rhino beetle larvae living in decaying wood.
How To Get Rid of Mammoth Wasps?
Mammoth wasps may look gigantic and scary, but they are gentle creatures who will not harm humans unless they are threatened.
There is no need to exterminate the mammoth wasp population near your home.
However, you can avoid these appearances by making sure that there are no pieces of decaying wood near your house.
These spots are ideal for rhino beetle larvae. The females will get attracted to them.
Also, they are particularly attracted to flowering plants like milkweed, hollyhock, lavender, silk plant, and more. Limit the number of such plants in your garden to keep the mammoth wasps away.
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Interesting Facts About Mammoth Wasps
Mammoth wasps are fascinating creatures, and the sections above contain all the necessary information that you need to identify and understand these giant insects.
Here are a few interesting facts about mammoth wasps that you might have missed in this article:
- The female mammoth wasps are comparatively bigger than the male wasps. These females have short antennae and yellow faces, while males have longer antennae and black faces.
- Male wasps emerge earlier than females as adults. These males can fly up to 19-59 inches in search of female mates.
- The female wasps get ready for mating soon after emerging from the pupa in spring.
- When the larvae build a cocoon around themselves, the remains of the host stay near the cocoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the mammoth wasp dangerous?
Yes, the mammoth wasp can be dangerous. They are known for their large size and powerful stingers, which can cause pain, swelling, and even allergic reactions in some people.
However, mammoth wasps are not typically aggressive toward humans and will only sting if they feel threatened or provoked.
It is important to exercise caution around these insects and avoid disturbing their nests or habitats.
If you encounter a mammoth wasp, it is best to move away slowly and give them plenty of space.
Is the mammoth wasp sting painful?
Mammoth wasps can sting but they don’t do it on purpose. If you get stung, it is likely to cause a bit of redness and swelling that might remain for a few days.
Keep in mind that mammoth wasps only sting when it is absolutely necessary. They won’t go out of their way to seek you out for stinging.
Hence, if you see this large wasp in your garden or yard, please do not try to attack it. It will not come to bite you any way.
How did mammoth wasps get their name?
Mammoth wasps got their name due to their large size and intimidating appearance. can grow up to 1.77 inches in length.
The term “mammoth” is often used to describe things that are very large or impressive, and the name “mammoth wasp” is fitting for these formidable insects.
Despite their name and appearance, mammoth wasps are an important part of their ecosystem and play a role in controlling other insect populations.
Can mammoth wasps survive winter?
Mammoth wasps usually do not survive the winter. They can live in a variety of environments, but during the winter, they do not get the food and water necessary to survive.
As pupae, they can overwinter – which is why they live longer in that stage of their lives rather than as adults.
Wrap Up
Mammoth wasps are the largest wasp species in Europe. These insects are known for their giant size and intimidating appearance.
They are abundant in regions of Hungary and Southern Europe. You can also find them in various regions of North America.
Despite the scary features, these insects are not aggressive to humans and are non-poisonous.
To keep them away from your house, you can eliminate decaying logs and flower plants like lavender, silk plant, and more.
Remember to not be reckless around as they can deliver painful stings. Thank you for reading the article.
36 Comments. Leave new
I saw a massive Mammoth Wasp in the north of the Marche region of Italy. It came to sit on my chair after feeding for a long time on some white flowers. I ran, not knowing then what I know now! It followed me right round the house and then back to the flowers for another feed. It later burrowed in the base of the pomegranite tree nearby, then flew off at a waist height. I might be able to post a photo later.
I had a mammoth wasp land next to me whilst sunbathing today in the mountains outside Madrid. When I googled it they say the size is up to 6cm, the one I saw and pictured was bigger.
Last year we were staying in a flat overlooking Lake Como in Italy. As we were enjoying the view and a number of strange looking wasps approached and we soon saw that they were nest building about half a metre from us. They were slightly larger than the British wasp, but the one thing that really made them different was that they had two long tendrils that hung down and was as long as the whole body of the wasp. My wife put her hand up to swat one of them away and was instantly stung as she came into contact with the wasp. We wondered if the tendrils were some kind of touch stinger as there was no prolonged contact. They appeared an aggressive kind of wasp. The effects of the sting lasted for many days. I can find no picture of this wasp and regretfully I didn’t take any pictures of the wasp despite having many opportunities. Can you help please?
We have no idea at this time, and without a photo, any identification will be difficult.
Hi Gordon
As someone who lives in Italy, not far from Lake Como, I recognize your description well. What you observed is probably a Paper Wasp; and almost certainly Polistes dominula, the European Paper Wasp. In my house, they build their nests under the eaves of our outdoor balconies: this would appear to be a good match for your location description.
By the way, I arrived on this page while researching the Mammoth Wasp Megascolia maculata flavifrons. I just found one of these in my garden for the first time, and I take it as an ill omen of global warming: Mammoth Wasps occupy Mediterranean habitats, and my area is supposed to be sub-Mediterranean, with winter frosts – which we haven’t had for 2 winters in a row.
Hi Gordon
As someone who lives in Italy, not far from Lake Como, I recognize your description well. What you observed is probably a Paper Wasp; and almost certainly Polistes dominula, the European Paper Wasp. In my house, they build their nests under the eaves of our outdoor balconies: this would appear to be a good match for your location description.
By the way, I arrived on this page while researching the Mammoth Wasp Megascolia maculata flavifrons. I just found one of these in my garden for the first time, and I take it as an ill omen of global warming: Mammoth Wasps occupy Mediterranean habitats, and my area is supposed to be sub-Mediterranean, with winter frosts – which we haven’t had for 2 winters in a row.
Thank you very much for your effort.
You are most welcome.
We have just found one in Calonge, Girona in Catalunya….and taken its photo too though I don’t know how to upload it. Pleased to know it won’t sting us!
You may use the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our website to submit images.
I think that SA in this case refers to South Australia, which would fit well as around this time these kinds of ‘flower wasps’ (in Scoliidae) are fairly common in southeastern Australia.
Thanks for bringing that geographical error to our attention. We also heard back from Belle who clarified the location and we have correctly identified the Blue Flower Wasp.
I just fished one out of the pool thus saving its life! Would it have stung me if I had hung around?
Female Mammoth Wasps are capable of stinging, but they are not aggressive.
I had one of these pay a visit to me while on the beach in the Algarve the other day .
I have a picture of it you would like
We would love to see your images, however, our submission form is currently experiencing technical difficulties. You can try using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
I had one of these pay a visit to me while on the beach in the Algarve the other day .
I have a picture of it you would like
I have just seen one of these Blue Flower wasps in my garden this morning. First I have ever encountered in 25 yrs around here. Approximately 30mm in length and foraging in around the river pebbles. I managed to snap 3 photos before it moved on. It matches the description this page provided, except this one also has a yellow spot on either side of the abdomen. Can send photos if requested.
You may submit images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
I went to tuscany, italy when i was ia kid and come access the same large wasps. My friends family i was travelling with callled the wasps ‘Apperliornas’
Just spotted one on a Garlic Flower
Benidoleig Valencia
Just spotted one on a Garlic Flower
Benidoleig Valencia
I just returned from Venice where there was a nest of these Mammoth Wasp in the public park. They didn’t seem to bother anyone, even the pigeons seemed to ignore them. They intrigued me because of there size. Cool looking.
I have a wasp like insect living with large black ants under my garden path.do they sting.Thanks
It’s a scolid wasp 🙂
I just found one in my garden. I live at Modbury North, South Australia. Cought it.
I have been looking everywhere to identify this wasp like insect….after my lawn has suffered a black beetle infestation I have now treated the lawn and seen a few of these wasps emerging….have yellow band on head and two yellow spots on left and right side of lower abdomen.
I live at Seacliff in South Australia and found in early Feb (late summer)
I have been looking everywhere to identify this wasp like insect….after my lawn has suffered a black beetle infestation I have now treated the lawn and seen a few of these wasps emerging….have yellow band on head and two yellow spots on left and right side of lower abdomen.
I live at Seacliff in South Australia and found in early Feb (late summer)
I just stamped on one of these as it looked a bit dodgy
I found one of these in the filter of a swimming pool, dead. Huge!
This is in Valencia, Spain.
I found one of these in the filter of a swimming pool, dead. Huge!
This is in Valencia, Spain.
The sting from the Thailand Mammoth Wasp is excruciatingly painful. I was stung on the left side of my upper chest yesterday.
I would say that they can be very aggressive. I have just returned from walking my dog and one of these wasps stung me on the earlobe and just inside my ear. It hit the side of my head so hard it nearly knocked me off balance, but that was also because of the instant burning pain. As it hit me my hand came up to swat it away and it stung me again.
I went strait back home and put apple cider vinegar on the stings and added a cold-pack which seems to be easing the pain.
All I can say is I’d rather not see another one. This Bugger got me just outside Pattaya, considerably south of Chang Mai.
Hello, correct, I got several, in Lao Khwan, in the village Ban nong kai luang
Found a dead one of these female mammoth wasp by our swimming pool in Alcossebra Spain.
Is this unusual?
Hello, today I saw a few of these Mammoth Wasps on Crete (Greece). I took some pictures with my iPhone because I had never seen such big wasps.
https://flic.kr/p/2pVYzJX
I found this interesting website in my search for information of this wasp. The information on your website is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Greetings