Field Digger Wasp vs Shadow Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Field Digger Wasp Shadow Darner
Scientific Name Mellinus arvensis Aeshna umbrosa
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Crabronidae Aeshnidae
Size 10-14mm 65-75 mm
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Field Digger Wasp

A yellow and black wasp that nests in sandy soil and provisions each cell with paralyzed hoverflies.

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Did You Know?

Digs a nest burrow in bare sandy soil and stocks each cell with 5-8 precisely paralyzed hoverflies.

Shadow Darner

A large, dark darner that hunts in shaded forest edges during evening hours. It is widespread across North America in wooded habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is a crepuscular hunter, most active during the dim lighting of dawn and dusk.