Japanese Paper Wasp vs Cicada Killer Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Paper Wasp | Cicada Killer Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polistes japonicus | Sphecius speciosus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Crabronidae |
| Size | 11-15 mm | 30-50 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Japan | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Paper Wasp
A small dark paper wasp endemic to Japan that builds delicate open-comb nests under eaves and tree branches. It is one of the most common social wasps in Japanese gardens.
Did You Know?
Japanese beekeepers sometimes tolerate these wasps near apiaries because they prey on pest insects rather than honeybees.
Cicada Killer Wasp
A large solitary wasp that provisions its burrow with paralyzed cicadas.
Did You Know?
A female can carry a cicada weighing more than herself in flight back to her burrow.