Darling Underwing vs Australian Flower Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Darling Underwing Australian Flower Wasp
Scientific Name Catocala cara Campsomeris tasmaniensis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Erebidae Scoliidae
Size 75-90 mm wingspan 15-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Darling Underwing

A large underwing moth with cryptic gray-brown forewings and striking pinkish-red hindwings banded with black. It is commonly attracted to sugaring baits.

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Did You Know?

Its Latin name cara means 'darling' or 'beloved,' referencing the beautiful pink hindwings hidden under its bark-like forewings.

Australian Flower Wasp

A hairy black and orange scoliid wasp endemic to Australia. Males patrol flowers while females dig into soil to parasitize curl grub beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Males are commonly seen hovering over lawns in large numbers, searching for females emerging from underground.