In Which Heroic Bert Risks His Personal Safety In Order To Save An Insect

 

Giant horntail

Scientific name: Urocerus gigas

The giant horntail is a massive sawfly that is also known as the 'giant woodwasp' or 'greater horntail wasp'. A relative of the wasps, the female is black and yellow and has a long, stinger-like tail that is actually her ovipositor, which she uses to lay her eggs into wood, particularly pine. The larvae live in the wood of pine trees, where they spend up to five years developing. Found near pine woods, or places where pine timbers are used. The Wildlife Trust

Yesterday, whilst in the woodshed, Bert tripped over a log, fell over and hurt his hip. He said he was unable to save himself as he was carrying a newly emerged woodwasp to a place of safety.

The bad news is that he's a bit stiff and sore, and the good news is the horntail is fine. Here's hoping that she finds her way back to the wood to begin another generation of these gorgeous insects.