• Question from:josh hunter

I live in Dayton, Ohio. Lately I have seen these giant wasp like insects that are about 3 inches in length. I've never seen an insect this big before. looks like it may have a stinger but its hard to tell when I'm running for my life! Please help, we are all terrified of them

Photo
  • Horniman Museum, London, UK
  • Posts: 964

Hi Josh,

these will almost certainly be horntails, which are large wood wasps. They lay their eggs in wood and don't pose a threat to humans, although they could probably bite or stab with their ovipositor if they are handled roughly. Treat them with respect and they will be just fine. If you can get a photo send it to us at askabiologist[AT]googlemail.com, just so we can confirm.