Netelia Ichneumon Wasp vs Field Digger Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Netelia Ichneumon Wasp Field Digger Wasp
Scientific Name Netelia melanura Mellinus arvensis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Crabronidae
Size 14-18 mm 10-14mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Parasitoids Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Netelia Ichneumon Wasp

A large orange ichneumon wasp attracted to light at night. Parasitizes noctuid moth caterpillars. Has a distinctive compressed, blade-like abdomen.

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Did You Know?

Regularly enters houses at night, attracted by lights, and can give a mild sting if handled.

Field Digger Wasp

A yellow and black wasp that nests in sandy soil and provisions each cell with paralyzed hoverflies.

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Did You Know?

Digs a nest burrow in bare sandy soil and stocks each cell with 5-8 precisely paralyzed hoverflies.