Large Square-headed Wasp vs Cottonwood Stag Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Square-headed Wasp Cottonwood Stag Beetle
Scientific Name Ectemnius cephalotes Lucanus mazama
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Crabronidae Lucanidae
Size 12-18 mm 22-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Central and Southern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Square-headed Wasp

A large solitary wasp that nests in dead wood and provisions its nest with captured flies. Has a distinctively large, square-shaped head. Common in gardens and woodland.

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Did You Know?

Nests in old beetle holes in dead wood, stocking each cell with paralyzed flies for its developing larvae.

Cottonwood Stag Beetle

A medium-sized North American stag beetle found near river bottoms. Males have moderately large mandibles.

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Did You Know?

They are most commonly found near cottonwood and willow trees along river corridors.