What distinguishes a wood wasp from a regular wasp?

The distinguishing feature of a wood wasp, which sets it apart from regular wasps, is its lack of a stinger. Wood wasps belong to the family Siricidae and are characterized by their body structure, which typically doesn’t include the stinger found in many other wasp species. This absence of a stinger is significant because while regular wasps possess a stinger used for defense and hunting, wood wasps do not have this capability.

Other traits of wood wasps include a more robust body that can sometimes appear more cylindrical and a tendency to be larger compared to many typical wasps. The absence of a pinched waist, which is a common feature of many wasps, further differentiates wood wasps from them. Understanding these physical features is essential for correct identification and highlights the unique adaptations of wood wasps within their ecological niche.