Large Scoliid Wasp vs Warrior Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Scoliid Wasp Warrior Wasp
Scientific Name Megascolia maculata Synoeca septentrionalis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Scoliidae Vespidae
Size 25-45 mm 25-30 mm
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Southern Europe Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Warrior Wasp

Rated 4.0 on the Schmidt Pain Index alongside the bullet ant and tarantula hawk. Paper nest builders that drum their bodies in unison as a warning display before attacking.

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Did You Know?

Before attacking intruders, warrior wasps perform a synchronized drumming display — the entire colony beats their bodies against the nest in rhythmic unison as a final warning.