About Xeris spectrum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Xeris spectrum (Linnaeus, 1758) is a species of horntail, also called wood wasp, that inhabits coniferous forests. It is a large wasp, and females have a powerful ovipositor. What makes this species unique within the Siricidae (the wood wasp family) is that, unlike other siricid wood wasps, it does not rely on symbiotic fungi to help its larvae while they burrow into the wood of fir and other conifer trees. This species is widespread, and can be found across large areas of Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
