Indian Flower Wasp vs Black Slip Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Flower Wasp Black Slip Wasp
Scientific Name Scolia quadripustulata Pimpla instigator
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Scoliidae Ichneumonidae
Size 18-28 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Indian Flower Wasp

A robust black scoliid wasp with four yellowish spots on its abdomen found across South Asia. It targets white grubs of scarab beetles in agricultural soils.

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Did You Know?

Indian farmers have long recognized this wasp as a beneficial ally against destructive white grubs in sugarcane fields.

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.