I know insects are the least favorite part of summer for some people, but I eagerly await their return each and every year. I do my best to help people identify what they find, and with the advent of my Facebook group “Insects of Newfoundland,” it has been a lot of fun. We've learned a lot, and helped to dispel a lot of misinformation. Still, it seems new stories surrounding the Newfoundland Timberfly come to light every summer. So let's set things straight.
 |
Urocerus flavicornis, Yukon. (BugGuide.net) |
It's worth noting that in Newfoundland the word Timberfly refers to what the rest of the world would call a Horntail or Wood Wasp. Horntails get their name from a short abdominal projection or “horn” that is present in both males and females.
Scientifically, these wasps belong to the family Siricidae. The family is comprised of around 28 species (throughout North America) of solitary wood wasps. The adult females use an ovipositor on the end of their abdomen to pierce through the barks of hardwoods and deposit her eggs into the wood underneath.
 |
Not just a pretty face. (BugGuide.net) |
It is extraordinary that an insect this size has the strength to penetrate the outer layers of these trees so effectively that she may do so several times before finding just the right spot for her eggs. Remarkably, she does this with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue of the tree. In fact, the study of Horntails has even led some neurosurgeons in the development of a new, safer probe for brain surgery.
Most horror stories featuring Horntails will tell you that they are aggressive, and that being bitten or stung by one would result in death, or at the very least, a trip to the hospital.
 |
White-horned Horntail Wasp. (BugGuide.net) |
But look at the facts: Horntails do not bite, nor do they possess a stinger. What most people think is a “stinger” is actually the ovipositor of the female, and all that she's interested in are suitable trees in which to lay her eggs.
Their size can be intimidating, however, there isn't a single documented account of a bite or sting from a Horntail, a statement verified by entomologists time and time again. So fear not, nature enthusiasts! Help stop the spread of misinformation and learn to appreciate the true nature of the Horntail.
Further Reading
We always referred to these particular insects as Timberflies in Newfoundland and Labrador, and this was probably because of their habitual behavior in gathering around freshly cut wood or sawdust.
ReplyDeleteHowever, to say that they don't sting is probably quite erroneous as I know of a man in the Goose Bay area many years ago and his thumb became so swollen and infected, the doctor had considered removal of the thumb if the anti-biotics didn't work to destroy the infection. As it turned out, the thumb was saved.
Maybe it wasn't a timber fly(horntail) that stung him? It very well could have been a different species of wasp or hornet or something couldn't it?
DeleteI agree many people in upper Lake Melville has been stung by these flies and even reports of having to have the stinger removed at the hospital. I believe locals over some person who has not specifically studied those timber flies in Labrador, probably has never even stepped foot in Labrador.
DeleteTiber flys do sting. Ive been stung. And it was 100% a tiber fly. Argue all you want. This guys needs to do more research..lol
ReplyDeleteHello, thank you for your comment. As mentioned, this topic is always controversial. I have spoken with entomologists in the past who have verified that the species featured in this article is not capable of stinging. I'm more inclined to believe a professional who's studied these insects all of their life over Newfoundland hearsay.
DeleteI know timber flies do sting i agree
DeleteThese are very dangerous, and they do sting. Don't know where the author did his research but they info they were given is not accurate. I gre up in southern Labrador and there are lots of accounts of people being stung, including one from my late father who witnessed one while working In Churchill Falls during the construction of the hydro dam, which resulted in a swollen arm and blood poisoning.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of research for this article comes from experienced entomologists who we've talked to. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteWtf is this nonsense. If the don't sting than why do they give chase like you're their worst enemy. If you see one of these it's already too late. Cause I promise you it's already seen you and finished plotting your demise.
ReplyDeleteI spent a lot of time cutting trails for municipalities and have some experience handling these guys. I've seen them give chase but from what I can tell, it's completely harmless and all for show. I've never been stung, neither has any of my coworkers. But thank you for your comment, it was hilarious and definitely made my day.
DeleteI was stung as an infant and my parents insisted it was a timberfly, can't remember it exactly but they said we were camping. Later, I had been chased by them and one was in our dog's water dish and the dog wouldn't go handy to it. I watched my dad prod at it with his car keys and it raised it's arse in the air as though it were trying to sting it.
ReplyDeleteI cannot personally remember the sting but I have encountered the insect being highly aggressive since then. My parents are well aware of what a Yellow Jacket is, and so know I have had scary run ins with these things as a kid. I would love to know what the real culprit is... can we be so certain that there isn't a unique species of Wood Wasp responsible that isn't being appropriately identified?
Couple of links to check put.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Banded-Horntail
https://www.orkin.com/other/horntails/
https://www.britannica.com/animal/horntail
So there completely unrelated links, one being Britannica (as in the encyclopedia), and another being a pest control company. All say it's a harmless insect. Sorry, they get my vote over "My uncles cousins friends sister saw someone almost die from a sting." story.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI live in the Trinity, T Bay area and we always called a horntail/wood wasp a Timberfly and I have never heard of them NOT sting. There are many types of timber flies so is it possible that some sting and some dont??? I know here in this area, accounts of people who have worked in the woods all summer and have as much experience as anyone when it comes to insects and flies in and around the wood. If they get stung, they know what stung them cause usually it's there stuck on their arm or somewhere else. I'm 55 years of age and was raised to be aware of timber flies. It wont kill you of course but if they break off their stinger and it's inside your skin, you should get it removed by a doctor as it's apparently very painful.. Very interesting article above and it has me thinking that we may have the wrong timber fly here as again, there are many types. I have to question why EVERYONE in this area will tell you they sting, period.. Anyway it makes for a good debate, hope no one gets nasty, not necessary as it's just a matter of opinion..
ReplyDelete