Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar

TaxonomyBrowseInfoImagesLinksBooksData
Photo#299724
Is this some kind of wasp? - Cimbex americanus - male

Is this some kind of wasp? - Cimbex americanus - Male
Wonder Lake, Il., McHenry County, Illinois, USA
June 1, 2009
Size: 1 inch
I found this on our deck one morning. He was DOA.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

Yes.
This is a male cimbicid sawfly, Cimbex americana. The "swollen" hind "thighs" and bowed "shins" give away his gender. These wasps do not sting, but have very strong jaws and can bite if handled. The larvae are caterpillar-like and feed on foliage. They are never abundant enough to be pests. Neat animals.

Comment viewing options
Select your preferred way to display the comments and click 'Save settings' to activate your changes.