Black Ichneumon Wasp vs Blue-black Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Ichneumon Wasp | Blue-black Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coelichneumon deliratorius | Anoplius viaticus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 8-15 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Its all-black coloration makes it one of the most imposing-looking ichneumon wasps in Europe.
Blue-black Spider Wasp
A dark metallic blue spider wasp with orange-red abdominal bands. It hunts wolf spiders on sandy heathlands and dunes across Europe.
Did You Know?
It is one of the first solitary wasps to appear each spring in northern Europe, sometimes flying as early as March.