Flat-headed Ant-like Bethylid Wasp

Natural Habitat

Often found indoors where wood-boring beetles are present, or outdoors in dead wood and timber.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae of wood-boring beetles (such as Longhorn beetles or Anobium punctatum). Adults may feed on nectar or moisture.

Behavior Patterns

They are parasitoids; the female stings beetle larvae to paralyze them and then lays eggs on them. They are wingless (apterous) or winged depending on the caste/environment and are noted for their high social organization and maternal care for a non-social insect.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling wood-boring beetle infestations. However, they can pose a risk to humans as they are known to sting painfully if handled or if they come into contact with skin (often referred to as 'Sclerodermus dermatitis').

Identified on: 3/22/2026