African Net-winged Beetle vs Bald-faced Hornet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Net-winged Beetle Bald-faced Hornet
Scientific Name Lycus trabeatus Dolichovespula maculata
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lycidae Vespidae
Size 15-30 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions East Africa, Southern Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Net-winged Beetle

A brightly orange-red beetle with distinctive net-like wing venation and broad expanded elytra. It is toxic and serves as a model for many mimicry complexes.

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Did You Know?

Several unrelated beetle and moth species mimic its bright warning coloration to gain protection from predators.

Bald-faced Hornet

A large black and white social wasp that builds impressive football-sized paper nests in trees and on buildings. Despite its name, it is not a true hornet but a yellowjacket relative.

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Did You Know?

Bald-faced hornets can squirt venom from their stinger into the eyes of nest intruders, causing temporary blindness and intense pain.