Clouded Apollo vs Parasitic Wood Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Clouded Apollo | Parasitic Wood Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Parnassius mnemosyne | Orussus abietinus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Orussidae |
| Size | 52-62 mm wingspan | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Clouded Apollo
A delicate, semi-translucent white butterfly with dark wing veins and small dark spots. It flies slowly through woodland clearings in late spring.
Did You Know?
Its translucent wings lack the typical scales found on most butterflies, giving them a ghostly appearance.
Parasitic Wood Wasp
A small, dark-bodied wasp-like insect with a flattened head and short antennae inserted below the eyes. It is among the most primitive parasitoid Hymenoptera.
Did You Know?
Orussidae are considered the evolutionary link between sawflies and parasitoid wasps, making them key to understanding Hymenoptera evolution.