European Beewolf vs Coppery Dysphania

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Beewolf Coppery Dysphania
Scientific Name Philanthus triangulum Dysphania cuprina
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crabronidae Geometridae
Size 12-18 mm 70-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Beewolf

A large, striking yellow-and-black solitary wasp that specialises in hunting honeybees. Females paralyse bees in flight and carry them back to sandy burrow nests.

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Did You Know?

Females embalm their honeybee prey with an antifungal secretion to keep it fresh for their larvae.

Coppery Dysphania

A brightly colored day-flying moth widespread across Southeast Asia. The metallic coppery-gold and black pattern warns predators of its unpalatability. Flies with a slow, confident wingbeat.

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Did You Know?

Flies slowly and conspicuously during the day, confident that its bright warning colors will deter predators.