Banded Ichneumon vs Black Ichneumon Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Ichneumon Black Ichneumon Wasp
Scientific Name Ichneumon xanthorius Coelichneumon deliratorius
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Ichneumonidae
Size 14-18 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Gardens Heathland
Diet Parasitoids Parasitoids
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Ichneumon

A boldly patterned black-and-yellow parasitoid wasp commonly found in European gardens. It parasitizes large moth caterpillars that pupate in soil.

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Did You Know?

Despite its wasp-like warning colors, it rarely stings and is harmless to humans.

Black Ichneumon Wasp

A large, entirely black ichneumon wasp with a robust build. It is a solitary parasitoid of large moth pupae hidden in soil.

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Did You Know?

Its all-black coloration makes it one of the most imposing-looking ichneumon wasps in Europe.