Bee Moth vs Neotropical Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Moth | Neotropical Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphomia sociella | Polistes canadensis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 30-42 mm wingspan | 25-30 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) | Central America, northern South America, Caribbean |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bee Moth
A robust pinkish-brown moth whose larvae are nest parasites of bumblebees and wasps. Females enter bee nests at night to lay their eggs.
Did You Know?
A single larval web can contain hundreds of caterpillars that completely destroy a bumblebee nest.
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.