African Scoliid Wasp vs Nessus Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Scoliid Wasp Nessus Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Megascolia vittata Amphion floridensis
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scoliidae Sphingidae
Size 30-45 mm 50-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Scoliid Wasp

A very large black and yellow-banded scoliid wasp from sub-Saharan Africa. It parasitizes goliath beetle and other large scarab beetle larvae in forest soils.

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Did You Know?

It targets some of the largest beetle grubs on Earth, including those of goliath beetles weighing over 100 grams.

Nessus Sphinx Moth

A day-flying sphinx moth with dark chocolate-brown wings and two bright yellow bands across the abdomen. It hovers like a hummingbird while feeding at flowers.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few sphingids that flies actively during daylight hours rather than at dusk.