Spider-hunting Wasp vs Giant Scarites

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spider-hunting Wasp Giant Scarites
Scientific Name Anoplius nigerrimus Scarites gigas
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Pompilidae Carabidae
Size 12-18mm 30-45 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Mediterranean region (southern Europe, North Africa)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spider-hunting Wasp

A large all-black spider-hunting wasp that drags paralyzed wolf spiders back to its burrow.

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Did You Know?

Paralyzes a wolf spider with a precise sting to the nerve ganglion then drags it backwards to its burrow.

Giant Scarites

One of the largest burrowing ground beetles, entirely shiny black with a massive head and powerful toothed mandibles. It is a formidable nocturnal predator of the Mediterranean region.

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Did You Know?

It digs extensive burrow systems in sandy soil with its powerful forelegs and can be found guarding the entrance to its burrow like a miniature predator at its den.