Common Pine Sawfly vs Executioner Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Pine Sawfly Executioner Wasp
Scientific Name Diprion pini Polistes carnifex
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Diprionidae Vespidae
Size 7-10 mm (adult) 25-35 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Central America, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Common Pine Sawfly

One of the most important pine defoliators in European forestry. Outbreaks cause growth losses and predispose trees to bark beetle attack.

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Did You Know?

Larvae sequester pine resin and can squirt it at predators when threatened.

Executioner Wasp

The largest Neotropical paper wasp, with a sting that produces immediate searing pain and potentially causes tissue necrosis. It builds open comb nests.

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Did You Know?

Some entomologists consider its sting more painful than the bullet ant, placing it among the most painful in the insect world.