Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp vs Black Imported Fire Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp Black Imported Fire Ant
Scientific Name Scolia dubia Solenopsis richteri
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Scoliidae Formicidae
Size 18-25 mm 2-6 mm
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Eastern North America South America, Southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp

A black and reddish-brown wasp with iridescent blue wings commonly seen on flowers in late summer. It parasitizes green June beetle and Japanese beetle grubs.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the best natural controls for Japanese beetle grubs, which are major lawn and garden pests.

Black Imported Fire Ant

A dark-colored fire ant native to South America that has established populations in the southeastern United States. They build large earthen mounds in open areas.

💡

Did You Know?

They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.