Keyhole Wasp vs Tiger Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Keyhole Wasp Tiger Crane Fly
Scientific Name Pachodynerus nasidens Nephrotoma flavescens
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Vespidae Tipulidae
Size 10-15 mm 13-18 mm body length
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Americas, introduced to Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Keyhole Wasp

A mud-nesting wasp notorious for building nests inside aircraft pitot tubes. It has caused aviation incidents by blocking airspeed sensors.

💡

Did You Know?

Brisbane Airport installed covers on aircraft sensors specifically because of this species.

Tiger Crane Fly

A striking yellow crane fly with bold black stripes on the thorax. Adults are commonly found basking on sunny foliage in summer.

💡

Did You Know?

Its bold yellow and black thoracic stripes make it the most colorful European crane fly.