Lunar Ichneumon Wasp vs Panda Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lunar Ichneumon Wasp | Panda Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megarhyssa lunator | Euspinolia militaris |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 30-50 mm body, ovipositor up to 130 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its ovipositor is the longest relative to body size of any insect in North America.
Panda Ant
Not actually an ant but a wingless wasp. Named for its black and white panda-like coloring. Females have an extremely painful sting despite their cute appearance.
Did You Know?
Despite its adorable panda-like markings, this insect delivers one of the most painful stings of any velvet wasp — Chilean locals call it the killer ant.