Common Potter Wasp vs Zela Metalmark
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Potter Wasp | Zela Metalmark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eumenes fraternus | Emesis zela |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Riodinidae |
| Size | 13-17 mm | 25-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Potter Wasp
A North American potter wasp that builds small globular mud cells on plant stems and twigs. The female suspends her egg on a silk thread inside the pot before sealing it.
Did You Know?
The egg is hung on a thread from the ceiling of the pot so the larva can begin eating the paralyzed caterpillars below without being crushed.
Zela Metalmark
A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.
Did You Know?
It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.