Lunar Ichneumon Wasp vs Matchstick Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lunar Ichneumon Wasp Matchstick Grasshopper
Scientific Name Megarhyssa lunator Eumastax vittata
Order Hymenoptera Orthoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Eumastacidae
Size 30-50 mm body, ovipositor up to 130 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lunar Ichneumon Wasp

A striking ichneumon with a yellow and brown banded body. It parasitizes pigeon tremex horntail larvae inside hardwood trees.

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Did You Know?

Its ovipositor is the longest relative to body size of any insect in North America.

Matchstick Grasshopper

A tiny colorful grasshopper with an extremely slender body resembling a matchstick.

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Did You Know?

Its bright blue and orange coloration warns predators of its toxicity.