Common Pimpline Wasp vs Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Pimpline Wasp Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
Scientific Name Pimpla hypochondriaca Acromyrmex versicolor
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Formicidae
Size 10-15 mm 3-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Pimpline Wasp

A stout black parasitoid wasp that attacks moth and butterfly pupae. It is one of the most frequently encountered ichneumonids in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Females inject venom that permanently paralyzes the host pupa before laying an egg on it.

Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant

The only leaf-cutter ant adapted to true desert habitats in North America. It harvests leaves and flower petals to grow fungus gardens underground.

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Did You Know?

Queens found new colonies after summer monsoon rains and may cooperate with other queens to share the initial digging work.