Dolichomitus imperator

How to recognise it

This wasp is easily recognized by its impressive size, reaching up to 40 millimeters in length, and its striking black body with bright yellow and orange markings on the head, thorax, and legs. The most notable feature is the female's extremely long, needle-like ovipositor extending from the rear, which is used to drill into wood rather than sting. Males lack this long tail and are noticeably smaller.

Is it dangerous?

Despite its fearsome appearance and long, needle-like rear appendage, this wasp is completely harmless to humans and pets. The female's ovipositor is strictly an egg-laying tool designed to penetrate wood, not a stinger, and the wasp has no interest in attacking people.

Commonly confused with

• Horntail wood wasp — Horntails have a thick, blunt-looking ovipositor and lack the distinct yellow and orange banding on the thorax and legs seen on the Emperor ichneumon.
• Giant ichneumon wasp — Giant ichneumons are similarly large and long-tailed but typically have a more robust, bulky body and different, less vibrant yellow banding patterns.

What to do

Simply admire this impressive insect from a distance and leave it to its work, as it is a valuable natural pest controller in woodlands. There is no need to remove or kill it, as it poses no threat to your family or property.