Bald-faced Hornet vs Orange Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bald-faced Hornet | Orange Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dolichovespula maculata | Cryptocheilus australis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 20-30 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Indoors |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bald-faced Hornet
A large black and white social wasp that builds impressive football-sized paper nests in trees and on buildings. Despite its name, it is not a true hornet but a yellowjacket relative.
Did You Know?
Bald-faced hornets can squirt venom from their stinger into the eyes of nest intruders, causing temporary blindness and intense pain.
Orange Spider Wasp
A striking orange and black spider wasp that hunts large ground-dwelling spiders across Australia. Its vivid colouration serves as a warning to predators of its powerful sting.
Did You Know?
Female spider wasps engage in elaborate prey-handling behaviours, sometimes caching spiders temporarily while they dig the final burrow.