Australian Paper Wasp vs Orange Caterpillar Parasite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Paper Wasp | Orange Caterpillar Parasite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polistes humilis | Netelia ephippitarsus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Ichneumonidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Australian Paper Wasp
A common Australian paper wasp that builds small, open-celled papery nests under eaves, in shrubs, and other sheltered locations. It is a beneficial predator of caterpillars and other garden pests.
Did You Know?
Paper wasps chew wood fibres mixed with saliva to create their distinctive papery nests, a form of natural paper-making.
Orange Caterpillar Parasite
A slender, amber-orange ichneumon wasp found across Australasia. It attaches eggs to caterpillars and the larva feeds externally on its host.
Did You Know?
Female wasps can deliver a mild sting if handled, which is unusual among ichneumon wasps.