Median Wasp vs Short-tailed Ichneumon
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Median Wasp | Short-tailed Ichneumon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dolichovespula media | Ophion luteus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Ichneumonidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Their nests are beautifully layered with bands of different colored paper made from various wood sources.
Short-tailed Ichneumon
A nocturnal parasitoid wasp with a strongly compressed, amber-orange body. It is commonly attracted to lights at night throughout Europe.
Did You Know?
Unlike most ichneumons, Ophion luteus is almost entirely nocturnal and frequently enters houses drawn by artificial light.