Banded Ichneumon vs Neotropical Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Banded Ichneumon | Neotropical Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ichneumon xanthorius | Polistes canadensis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 25-30 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Central America, northern South America, Caribbean |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Despite its wasp-like warning colors, it rarely stings and is harmless to humans.
Neotropical Paper Wasp
A large reddish-brown paper wasp with dark wings that builds open-comb nests under eaves and branches. It is one of the most common social wasps in the Neotropics.
Did You Know?
This was the first wasp species shown to recognize individual nestmates by their unique facial markings.