Alder Cimbicid Sawfly vs Black Slip Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alder Cimbicid Sawfly Black Slip Wasp
Scientific Name Cimbex americanus Pimpla instigator
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cimbicidae Ichneumonidae
Size 18-25 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Parasitoids
Regions North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

The largest sawfly in North America, with a robust body up to 25 mm long, clubbed antennae, and smoky brown wings. Body color varies from black to brownish-yellow.

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Did You Know?

The large, green larvae can squirt a fluid from lateral glands when disturbed, similar to their European relative Cimbex femoratus.

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.