Wasp Nest Beetle vs Viennese Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wasp Nest Beetle | Viennese Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metoecus paradoxus | Carabus fabricii |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Ripiphoridae | Carabidae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 22-30 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern Alps, Carpathians |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Wasp Nest Beetle
A bizarre wedge-shaped beetle that develops as a parasitoid inside social wasp nests. Males have feathery antennae.
Did You Know?
One of the most unusual beetles in Europe, spending its entire larval development inside live wasp nests.
Viennese Ground Beetle
A large metallic ground beetle of mountain forests and alpine meadows. It is a powerful predator of earthworms and snails.
Did You Know?
It can spray a pungent defensive fluid from glands near its abdomen.