Although they look intimidating, this horntail wasp is not aggressive in nature like other wasps. They are commonly found in hardwood forests and are often seen by lumberjacks.
Many species of horntail wasps have a similar elongated, hard spine at the tip of their abdomen in addition to a stinger.
Females have ovipositors that can be as long as their entire body. The ovipositor looks similar to a needle and is used by the female to inject her eggs through the bark of trees for safe hatching.
There is only one Tremex species in North America.