Ichneumon Wasp vs Lobster Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ichneumon Wasp | Lobster Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megarhyssa macrurus | Stauropus fagi |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Notodontidae |
| Size | 25-50 mm body plus 100+ mm ovipositor | 45-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ichneumon Wasp
A large parasitoid wasp with an extremely long, thread-like ovipositor that can exceed the length of its body. Females drill through solid wood to reach their host larvae deep inside.
Did You Know?
The female can somehow detect horntail larvae vibrations through several centimeters of solid wood and then drill her flexible ovipositor to reach them with remarkable accuracy.
Lobster Moth
A moth whose young caterpillar mimics an ant and mature caterpillar resembles a lobster.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar raises its swollen tail and thoracic legs in a bizarre threat display.