Broad-Toothed Scarab vs Blue-black Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Broad-Toothed Scarab | Blue-black Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scarabaeus laticollis | Anoplius viaticus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 8-15 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Broad-Toothed Scarab
A medium-sized, glossy black roller dung beetle with a broad pronotum and strong clypeal teeth. Common across Mediterranean regions, it rolls balls from sheep and goat dung. Most active in afternoon heat.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greece, this species was likely confused with the sacred scarab and may have inspired some mythological accounts.
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.