Mediterranean Scoliid Wasp vs Cinnabar Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Scoliid Wasp | Cinnabar Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scolia hirta | Tyria jacobaeae |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Scoliidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 32-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia | Europe, central Asia (introduced to Australasia and Americas) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mediterranean Scoliid Wasp
A black hairy wasp with two prominent yellow abdominal spots common across Mediterranean regions. It parasitizes rose chafer and other scarab beetle larvae.
Did You Know?
Ancient Greek naturalists were among the first to document this species and its habit of visiting thistle flowers.
Cinnabar Moth
A day-flying moth with charcoal-black wings marked with crimson-red stripes and spots. It has been deliberately introduced worldwide as a biological control agent for ragwort.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars store toxic alkaloids from ragwort, making them so distasteful that birds learn to avoid them.