Arctic Sulphur vs Tundra Ichneumon Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Sulphur | Tundra Ichneumon Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colias nastes | Ichneumon gracilicornis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Ichneumonidae |
| Size | 36-46 mm wingspan | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Rocky Mountain alpine zones | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Sulphur
A pale greenish-white butterfly with dusky wing margins and small dark discal spots. Its subdued coloration helps it absorb warmth while basking with wings spread. It rarely strays far from its alpine or arctic habitat.
Did You Know?
On overcast days, this butterfly can raise its body temperature 10 degrees above air temperature by basking laterally to maximize solar absorption.
Tundra Ichneumon Wasp
A medium-sized ichneumon wasp with a black body and conspicuous yellow-banded abdomen. It has a long, slender ovipositor for parasitizing moth pupae. Adults are active during the Arctic summer's long daylight hours.
Did You Know?
Ichneumon wasps in the Arctic play a crucial role in controlling outbreaks of defoliating moths in birch forests.