Large Scoliid Wasp vs Cotesia Congregata

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Scoliid Wasp Cotesia Congregata
Scientific Name Megascolia maculata Cotesia congregata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Scoliidae Braconidae
Size 25-45 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Orchards Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Southern Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Large Scoliid Wasp

Europe's largest wasp, with a massive black body marked with bold yellow spots. Females burrow underground to parasitise rhinoceros beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Despite its terrifying size, it is surprisingly docile and rarely stings humans.

Cotesia Congregata

A gregarious endoparasitoid whose larvae emerge en masse from hornworm caterpillars to spin white cocoons on the host's skin. It is a well-known natural enemy of tobacco and tomato hornworms.

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Did You Know?

Up to 300 larvae can emerge from a single hornworm caterpillar, covering it in tiny white silk cocoons.