Arctic Ringlet vs Large Scoliid Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Ringlet Large Scoliid Wasp
Scientific Name Erebia disa Megascolia maculata
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Nymphalidae Scoliidae
Size 34-42 mm wingspan 25-45 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Scandinavia, Siberia, Northern North America Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arctic Ringlet

A dark brown ringlet butterfly of arctic and alpine bogs. It flies low over sedge tussocks in a slow, bobbing flight pattern.

💡

Did You Know?

It has a two-year life cycle in the Arctic, with larvae overwintering twice.

Large Scoliid Wasp

Europe's largest wasp, with a massive black body marked with bold yellow spots. Females burrow underground to parasitise rhinoceros beetle larvae.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite its terrifying size, it is surprisingly docile and rarely stings humans.