European Velvet Ant vs Green Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | European Velvet Ant | Green Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mutilla europaea | Callophrys rubi |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Mutillidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 10-15 mm | Wingspan 26-34mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
European Velvet Ant
A robust wingless wasp with black and orange-red banding and dense velvety hair. Females enter bumblebee nests to lay eggs on their pupae.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few insects that specifically targets bumblebee nests, sneaking in while the colony is less active.
Green Hairstreak
A small butterfly with plain brown uppersides but stunning iridescent green undersides. It always rests with wings closed showing only the green underside.
Did You Know?
It is the only green butterfly in Britain and its color comes from photonic crystals in the wing scales not pigment.