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Insect identification #585550

Asked August 01, 2019, 4:41 PM EDT

Please help us identify this large insect:

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

 Thanks for the question. 

This is an insect known as a horntail.  It is completely harmless.  It is, however, related to bees, wasps, and ants.  This specific horntail is a Pigeon Horntail (Tremex Columba).  It is one of the very few horntails found in Minnesota.  They are generally found close to pine trees and other conifers.  Here are some further sources of information:

https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Pigeon-Tremex

https://wiki.bugwood.org/HPIPM:Pigeon_tremex

https://naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com/category/pigeon-tremex-horntail/

Interesting critter!!

 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 01, 2019, 7:40 PM EDT
Wow, how interesting. I’m surprised I haven’t ever seen them around. Do they fly much higher than most insects? 
The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2019, 11:57 AM EDT
Horntails are rather reclusive critters.  Most people are probably not familiar with them.   They tend to hide during the day.  i suspect that many folks if they see them are repulsed by their appearance.  Something these bugs can't help.  Diversity in nature!!

Enjoy!! 
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2019, 7:50 PM EDT

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