Long-horned Antlion vs Saxon Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-horned Antlion Saxon Wasp
Scientific Name Distoleon tetragrammicus Dolichovespula saxonica
Order Neuroptera Hymenoptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Vespidae
Size 30-40 mm body, 60-75 mm wingspan 12-18 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, North Africa Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Long-horned Antlion

A large antlion with intricately patterned wings and long clubbed antennae. Unlike most antlions, the larvae do not build pit traps.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae hide just beneath the sand surface and lunge at passing prey rather than using pit traps.

Saxon Wasp

A social wasp that builds distinctive grey football-shaped nests in trees and bushes. It is generally docile and its colonies die off naturally by late summer.

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Did You Know?

It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.