Imperial Moth vs Ensign Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Imperial Moth Ensign Wasp
Scientific Name Eacles imperialis Evania appendigaster
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Saturniidae Evaniidae
Size 80-135 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Parasitoids
Regions Eastern North America, Mexico, Central America, South America Africa, Asia, North America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Imperial Moth

A large moth with bright yellow wings variably marked with purple-brown spots and patches. It is one of the most recognizable saturniids in the Americas.

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Did You Know?

The imperial moth has declined dramatically in the northeastern United States, likely due to parasitic flies introduced for gypsy moth control.

Ensign Wasp

A parasitoid wasp that targets cockroach egg cases and helps control pest populations.

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Did You Know?

It bobs its flag-like abdomen up and down as it walks, resembling a tiny flag bearer.