Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Insects with obvious wings: greater than 1 inch long or wingspan is 2 inches or more > Pigeon tremex

Pigeon tremex (Horntail)

Tremex columba

Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 1 - 2 inches long. Cylindrically shaped; reddish brown head, reddish brown and black thorax, and a black abdomen with yellowish stripes; also has long, amber-colored wings; females possess a conspicuous ovipositor.

Where/When: Associated with declining or recently dead hardwood trees especially maple, oak, and elm, during August and September. They are occasionally found indoors during winter when associated with firewood.

Significance: Does not harm people. It is not harmful to trees nor do they infest wood if they are indoors.

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