Ken
Thanks for the follow up...hickory wood is the last clue we needed! Great to know...the locust and hickory borers do look very similar.
YES! A hickory borer! by: Ken
Moni, I believe that you are right as it was seen after bringing in a load of hickory firewood. Thanks to all for their help.
Locust or Hickory borer by: Moni
Ken
Your beetle is either the Locust or the Hickory borer. They look very similar and without seeing it in person would be hard to tell which. What trees are in your area? Usually the hickory borer beetle comes out in the spring and the locust borer in the fall. Since we are mid summer it could be either...did you just find it.
Hickory borer larvae feed on hickory and pecan while the locust borer feeds on black locust. Previously weakened or damaged trees are often killed by an infestation of the larvae.
Here are photos of the hickory borer beetle - http://bugguide.net/node/view/99307/bgimage
Here are photos of the locust borer - http://bugguide.net/node/view/436/bgimage
Locust Borer Beetle by: Ali Bee
Not a wasp at all -- this one seems to be a locust borer beetle.
Black and Yellow Flyer by: Anonymous
It looks very much like the insect we call carpenter wasps. They are very closely related to yellow jackets. They can be aggressive in a group if they are disturbed. If you see a large group of them, it might be a good idea to check with a pest control company. Do get the company to remove them before getting them irritated, because they swarm easily. My 22 stings last year proved that point! I'm not allergic, but I had to rush my little dog to the vet for antihistamines, steroids, and supportive care. Thank goodness he's ok.
