Apache Paper Wasp vs Bordered Rose Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Apache Paper Wasp Bordered Rose Sawfly
Scientific Name Polistes apachus Arge cyanocrocea
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Vespidae Argidae
Size 18-25 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southwestern United States and northern Mexico Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Apache Paper Wasp

A large paper wasp of the American Southwest with yellow and reddish-brown coloring. It constructs open paper comb nests in sheltered locations like building overhangs.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest paper wasps in North America and is particularly common around desert homes and ranch buildings.

Bordered Rose Sawfly

A compact sawfly with a striking combination of an orange body and metallic blue-black wings. Larvae are green with orange heads and feed on rose leaves.

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Did You Know?

This species is sometimes confused with its relative Arge ochropus, but can be distinguished by its blue-tinged rather than purple-tinged wings.