Black Slip Wasp vs Western Yellowjacket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Slip Wasp | Western Yellowjacket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pimpla instigator | Vespula pensylvanica |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 11-16 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Western North America from Alaska to Mexico |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.
Western Yellowjacket
The most common yellowjacket in western North America with a distinctive diamond-shaped black mark on its first abdominal segment. It is a frequent uninvited guest at outdoor picnics.
Did You Know?
In Hawaii, where it was accidentally introduced, it has become a serious invasive pest threatening native insects.