Fairy Wasp vs Margined Leatherwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fairy Wasp Margined Leatherwing
Scientific Name Kikiki huna Chauliognathus marginatus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Mymaridae Cantharidae
Size 0.13-0.18 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions North America, Oceania Eastern North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Fairy Wasp

One of the smallest known insects in the world at just 0.15 millimeters long.

💡

Did You Know?

It is smaller than some single-celled protozoans.

Margined Leatherwing

An early-summer soldier beetle found across eastern North America with yellow elytra edged in dark margins. It visits a wide variety of flowers.

💡

Did You Know?

Unlike the similar goldenrod soldier beetle, this species appears in late spring rather than autumn.