Dicyrtomina Springtail vs Mason Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dicyrtomina Springtail Mason Wasp
Scientific Name Dicyrtomina minuta Ancistrocerus nigricornis
Order Collembola Hymenoptera
Family Dicyrtomidae Vespidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Detritivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dicyrtomina Springtail

A beautifully patterned globular springtail found in leaf litter across Europe. It has a marbled brown and yellow appearance.

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Did You Know?

Under magnification, this springtail reveals intricate mosaic patterns that make it one of the most beautiful soil animals.

Mason Wasp

A small black and yellow solitary wasp that nests in pre-existing holes and hollow stems. It provisions each cell with paralyzed moth caterpillars.

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Did You Know?

It readily uses artificial bee hotels, making it one of the easiest solitary wasps to attract to gardens.