Cotesia Congregata vs Saxon Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cotesia Congregata Saxon Wasp
Scientific Name Cotesia congregata Dolichovespula saxonica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Vespidae
Size 2-3 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Parasitoids Predators
Regions North America Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Cotesia Congregata

A gregarious endoparasitoid whose larvae emerge en masse from hornworm caterpillars to spin white cocoons on the host's skin. It is a well-known natural enemy of tobacco and tomato hornworms.

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Did You Know?

Up to 300 larvae can emerge from a single hornworm caterpillar, covering it in tiny white silk cocoons.

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.

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Did You Know?

It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.