Emerald Cockroach Wasp vs Cranberry Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emerald Cockroach Wasp | Cranberry Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ampulex compressa | Plebejus optilete |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Ampulicidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 22 mm | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, Asia, Oceania | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, subarctic Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Emerald Cockroach Wasp
A brilliant emerald-green wasp that zombifies cockroaches. It delivers precise stings to the cockroachs brain, removing its escape reflex. Then leads it by the antenna like a dog on a leash.
Did You Know?
The emerald cockroach wasp performs neurosurgery — it stings a cockroach twice in precise brain locations to disable its escape reflex, then walks it to a burrow like a zombie.
Cranberry Blue
A small butterfly with violet-blue upperwings in males and dark brown in females. The hindwing underside has a diagnostic metallic silver spot. It frequents boggy habitats where its larval foodplant cranberry grows.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar is tended by ants which protect it from parasitoids in exchange for sweet honeydew secretions.