Large Square-headed Wasp vs Large-legged Chalcid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Square-headed Wasp Large-legged Chalcid
Scientific Name Ectemnius cephalotes Chalcis myrifex
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Crabronidae Chalcididae
Size 12-18 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Large-legged Chalcid

A parasitoid wasp with conspicuously thickened hind femora used to brace itself while ovipositing. It attacks the pupae of tachinid flies and various Lepidoptera.

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Did You Know?

Despite looking like it could jump powerfully, those thick hind legs are mainly used for gripping, not leaping.