Juniper Hairstreak vs Mason Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Juniper Hairstreak Mason Wasp
Scientific Name Callophrys gryneus Ancistrocerus nigricornis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lycaenidae Vespidae
Size 22-30 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern and central United States wherever red cedar grows Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Juniper Hairstreak

A small green hairstreak butterfly with intricate white line patterns on its hindwing underside. Its bright green underside provides camouflage among cedar foliage.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar perfectly matches the green of cedar foliage and is nearly impossible to spot among the needles.

Mason Wasp

A small black and yellow solitary wasp that nests in pre-existing holes and hollow stems. It provisions each cell with paralyzed moth caterpillars.

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Did You Know?

It readily uses artificial bee hotels, making it one of the easiest solitary wasps to attract to gardens.