Banded Chalcid Wasp vs Green Carpet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Chalcid Wasp Green Carpet Moth
Scientific Name Chalcis sispes Colostygia pectinataria
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Chalcididae Geometridae
Size 5-8 mm 25-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Hedgerows Hedgerows
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Chalcid Wasp

A robust chalcid wasp with enlarged hind femora bearing tooth-like projections. It parasitizes the pupae of various flies and lepidopterans.

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Did You Know?

Its massively swollen hind legs, armed with sharp teeth, help it grip surfaces when drilling into host pupae.

Green Carpet Moth

A small moth with bright green forewings crossed by darker green bands. The green color fades to yellowish in older or worn specimens.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few European moths that appears truly green rather than relying on structural coloration.