Cotton Harlequin Bug vs European Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cotton Harlequin Bug | European Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tectocoris diophthalmus | Episyron albonotatum |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Scutelleridae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cotton Harlequin Bug
One of Australia's most colourful insects, with a brilliant metallic orange and iridescent blue-black shield-shaped body. The colour pattern varies between individuals, with females being larger and more brightly marked.
Did You Know?
Females guard their eggs and young nymphs, standing over them protectively in a rare display of maternal care for a bug.
European Spider Wasp
A medium-sized black spider wasp with white markings that hunts orb-weaving spiders across Europe. It nests in sandy soil near the edges of paths.
Did You Know?
It carries captured spiders by flying short distances while holding them underneath its body.