Black Slip Wasp vs Pitted Resin Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Slip Wasp Pitted Resin Bee
Scientific Name Pimpla instigator Anthidiellum strigatum
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Megachilidae
Size 12-16 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.

Pitted Resin Bee

A small, stout bee with bold yellow and black markings that constructs free-standing resin nests on rocks and walls. It is widespread across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most bees, it builds its nest cells as exposed resin lumps on open rock surfaces rather than hiding them in cavities.