Early Bumblebee vs Common Pimpline Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Early Bumblebee Common Pimpline Wasp
Scientific Name Bombus pratorum Pimpla hypochondriaca
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Ichneumonidae
Size 9-16mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Fruit Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Early Bumblebee

A small bumblebee with yellow collar, yellow midriff band and an orange tail. One of the first to appear in spring.

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Did You Know?

One of the earliest bumblebees to appear each year, sometimes seen as early as February on mild days.

Common Pimpline Wasp

A stout black parasitoid wasp that attacks moth and butterfly pupae. It is one of the most frequently encountered ichneumonids in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Females inject venom that permanently paralyzes the host pupa before laying an egg on it.