Giant Ichneumon Wasp vs Executioner Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Ichneumon Wasp Executioner Wasp
Scientific Name Dolichomitus imperator Polistes carnifex
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Vespidae
Size 20-40 mm body, 70 mm ovipositor 25-35 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Ichneumon Wasp

A parasitoid wasp with an ovipositor longer than its body used to drill into wood.

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Did You Know?

It detects beetle larvae vibrations through several centimeters of solid wood.

Executioner Wasp

The largest Neotropical paper wasp, with a sting that produces immediate searing pain and potentially causes tissue necrosis. It builds open comb nests.

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Did You Know?

Some entomologists consider its sting more painful than the bullet ant, placing it among the most painful in the insect world.