Taxonomy
Trypoxylon attenuatum | Slender Wood Borer Wasp
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 7-11mm
- Head, thorax and abdomen black in colour
- Narrow, elongated body shape with thin petiole
- Front legs entirely black
- Easily confused with Trypoxylon clavicerum, which has legs with a slight reddish tinge. A microscope and specialist keys are required for accurate identification in most cases
Habitat
Poorly known in Ireland. It has so far only been recorded from reedbeds adjacent to woodland. In Britain it is known from a wider variety of habitats, including woodland, parks and heathland.
Flight period
The single Irish specimen was taken in August. It probably has a similar flight period here as it does in Britain, where it flies from May until September.
Nesting biology
Not known in Ireland, although it possibly uses hollow reeds. Elsewhere, it nests singly in hollowed stems, such as Bramble (Rubus sp). The nests are filled with small spider species which are fed on by the developing larvae. The larvae pupate and emerge as adults the following year.
Flowers visited
Not known in Ireland.
Native region
Europe, North America, Temperate Asia, Africa
Similar species
- Typoxylon clavicerum (see above)
- Ichneumon wasps
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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How can you help
This species has been poorly recorded in Ireland. Surveying suitable sites to determine whether it still occurs here would be welcome.
References
Publications
Stelfox, A. W. (1949). Trypoxylon attenuatum Smith: A Solitary Wasp New to the Irish List. The Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 9(10), 276–277. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25533739