How can wood wasps be primarily identified?

Wood wasps can primarily be identified by the holes they create. These insects are known for their distinctive, round exit holes that they tunnel into wood, particularly in trees and timber. The presence of these holes is a clear indication of wood wasp activity, as they lay their eggs within the wood, and the larvae tunnel through the material as they develop. This tunneling behavior is a key characteristic that sets them apart from other insects, making hole patterns an effective identification method.

While coloration, wing patterns, and size can vary among different species of wood wasps, these physical traits may not be as reliable for identification, especially since some species can look quite similar. The holes, however, provide definitive evidence of their presence and behavior, making them the most distinguishing feature for identifying wood wasps.