Canary-shouldered Thorn vs Mason Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Canary-shouldered Thorn Mason Wasp
Scientific Name Ennomos alniaria Ancistrocerus nigricornis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Geometridae Vespidae
Size 35-42 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Canary-shouldered Thorn

An autumn moth with bright canary-yellow fur on its thorax and warm orange-yellow wings. When at rest with wings raised, it closely resembles a dead birch leaf.

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Did You Know?

Its vivid yellow thoracic fur is unique among British geometrid moths and makes it instantly recognisable.

Mason Wasp

A small black and yellow solitary wasp that nests in pre-existing holes and hollow stems. It provisions each cell with paralyzed moth caterpillars.

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Did You Know?

It readily uses artificial bee hotels, making it one of the easiest solitary wasps to attract to gardens.