Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp vs Large Square-headed Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp Large Square-headed Wasp
Scientific Name Scolia dubia Ectemnius cephalotes
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Scoliidae Crabronidae
Size 18-25 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

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

Large Square-headed Wasp

A large solitary wasp that nests in dead wood and provisions its nest with captured flies. Has a distinctively large, square-shaped head. Common in gardens and woodland.

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Did You Know?

Nests in old beetle holes in dead wood, stocking each cell with paralyzed flies for its developing larvae.