American Wasp Xenid vs Black-striped Flower Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute American Wasp Xenid Black-striped Flower Longhorn
Scientific Name Xenos peckii Strangalia attenuata
Order Strepsiptera Coleoptera
Family Xenidae Cerambycidae
Size 3.0-5.0 mm (males) 14-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasites Wood Feeders
Regions North America Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Iran
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

American Wasp Xenid

A parasite of paper wasps in eastern North America, commonly found in Polistes fuscatus colonies. It dramatically alters host wasp behavior.

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Did You Know?

Up to 40% of paper wasps in some colonies can be parasitized by this twisted-wing parasite.

Black-striped Flower Longhorn

A slender, wasp-like flower longhorn with yellow elytra bearing longitudinal black stripes. Found in deciduous woodlands across Europe and the Middle East. Adults are active fliers that visit a wide range of flowers.

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Did You Know?

Its narrow waist and striped pattern make it one of the most effective wasp mimics among European flower longhorns.