Common Scorpionfly vs Saxon Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Scorpionfly | Saxon Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Panorpa communis | Dolichovespula saxonica |
| Order | Mecoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Panorpidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 9-15 mm body | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Scorpionfly
Males have a bulbous upturned abdomen tip that resembles a scorpion stinger but is actually their genitalia and is completely harmless. Males offer nuptial gifts of saliva or dead insects.
Did You Know?
Male scorpionflies bring wedding presents — they offer females gifts of dead insects or secreted saliva droplets. Males with better gifts get longer mating opportunities.
Saxon Wasp
A social wasp that builds distinctive grey football-shaped nests in trees and bushes. It is generally docile and its colonies die off naturally by late summer.
Did You Know?
It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.