Netelia Ichneumon Wasp vs Pale Tussock

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Netelia Ichneumon Wasp Pale Tussock
Scientific Name Netelia melanura Calliteara pudibunda
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Erebidae
Size 14-18 mm 40-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia
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.

Pale Tussock

A fluffy grey-white moth with distinctively feathered legs held forward at rest. Its caterpillar is spectacular, with dense yellow or green hair tufts and a red tail tuft.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's bright hair tufts are irritating to skin and were once used in practical jokes.