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Photo#44368
Horntail? Wasp from firewood - side view - Xiphydria maculata - female

Horntail? Wasp from firewood - side view - Xiphydria maculata - Female
Finland - North Eastern MN, Lake County, Minnesota, USA
March 4, 2006
Size: about 24mm
Crawled out of log that was brought inside this winter.

Had the log not been brought inside...
then this female would have emerged during spring, probably in late april or early May. 24 mm is fairly large compared to European standards, but otherwise this one species is very similar to our X. camelus.
Compared with true Horntails, these insects are very shy and quick, making them quite a challenge to catch, e.g. with a net. Thus, you were lucky that this one was still a bit "sleepy".
By the way, as a guide page is not yet available for this family, it would be a good thing to create one. They are simply called "Wood Wasps" in the Audubon Society Guide.

 
Xiphydria maculata.
X. maculata is the most common species in eastern North America, so I am assigning this specimen there, at least until its identity is proven to be different:-)

 
I agree
looks like X. maculata

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