I Just Look Bad!

This is a Female Pigeon Tremex aka Pigeon Horntail Wasp. She is the Largest Wasp I've ever seen, looking to be nearly 2 inches long, Females being larger than Males. This non-stinging wasp deposits Her eggs under the bark of a dead or dying limb using Her Ovipositor, the sharp looking spine protruding from Her hind end. Pigeon Tremex are not considered Pests because the tree chosen is usually already in decline. Their Larvae take almost a year to become full grown and then Pupate while still under the bark. A month later the Adult Wasp cuts a circular exit hole and leaves the tree.