African Scoliid Wasp vs Peanut-Head Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Scoliid Wasp Peanut-Head Bug
Scientific Name Megascolia vittata Fulgora laternaria
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Scoliidae Fulgoridae
Size 30-45 mm 80-100 mm with head projection
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Central America, South 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.

Peanut-Head Bug

A large planthopper with a bizarre inflated head capsule resembling a peanut or an alligator. When threatened, it flashes large eyespots on its hindwings.

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Did You Know?

Local folklore claims its bite is fatal and must be cured by romantic relations within 24 hours, though it is actually harmless.