Characteristics
- Generally large size (up to 40 mm)
- Cylindrical body, often black, metallic blue, yellow, or red
- Long, straight antennae
- Females have a rigid ovipositor, sometimes as long as the abdomen
- Strongly veined wings, often slightly smoky
Habitat
Siricidae are found in:
- Coniferous forests (pine, spruce, fir…)
- Dead, weakened, or freshly felled wood
- Exposed stumps, fallen trunks, logging areas
Biology
- Xylophagous larvae: dig deep galleries into wood
- Simultaneous inoculation of a symbiotic fungus (e.g., Amylostereum) during egg-laying
- Slow development cycle (1 to 3 years), entirely hidden
- Adults emerge in summer, feeding little or not at all
Notable Genera
- Sirex – Most widespread genus; Sirex noctilio is an invasive and harmful species
- Urocerus – Large black and yellow species, often seen on stumps in summer
- Xeris, Tremex – Genera present in Eurasia and North America
Distinctive Features
- Important role in the recycling of dead wood
- Species are often specific to certain host trees
- Used in forest entomology to monitor forest health
- Females are striking due to the length of the ovipositor
Genus Urocerus
