Freeze-Tolerant Cockroach vs Large Square-headed Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Freeze-Tolerant Cockroach Large Square-headed Wasp
Scientific Name Periplaneta japonica Ectemnius cephalotes
Order Blattodea Hymenoptera
Family Blattidae Crabronidae
Size 25-35 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Asia, North America (invasive) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Freeze-Tolerant Cockroach

An invasive cockroach from Asia first found in New York City in 2012. Unlike other cockroach species, it can survive outdoors through freezing winters.

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Did You Know?

This is the only cockroach species in New York that can survive the citys harsh winters outdoors — it was first discovered on the High Line elevated park in Manhattan.

Large Square-headed Wasp

A large solitary wasp that nests in dead wood and provisions its nest with captured flies. Has a distinctively large, square-shaped head. Common in gardens and woodland.

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Did You Know?

Nests in old beetle holes in dead wood, stocking each cell with paralyzed flies for its developing larvae.