Median Wasp vs Red-tipped Flower Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Median Wasp Red-tipped Flower Beetle
Scientific Name Dolichovespula media Malachius bipustulatus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Vespidae Melyridae
Size 15-22 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Median Wasp

A large social wasp that builds aerial paper nests in trees and shrubs across Europe. They are less aggressive than yellowjackets and colonies typically contain around 200 workers.

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Did You Know?

Their nests are beautifully layered with bands of different colored paper made from various wood sources.

Red-tipped Flower Beetle

A small metallic green beetle with bright red tips on each elytron. Males can evert orange vesicles from their thorax as a display.

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Did You Know?

Males produce pheromone-laden secretions from thoracic vesicles that females lick during courtship.