Miniature Water Scavenger Beetle vs Double-banded Scoliid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Miniature Water Scavenger Beetle Double-banded Scoliid
Scientific Name Cercyon laminatus Scolia bicincta
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Hydrophilidae Scoliidae
Size 2-3 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Fungus Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America (introduced) Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Miniature Water Scavenger Beetle

A tiny terrestrial hydrophilid often found in compost and decaying plant material. Despite belonging to a water beetle family, it is entirely land-dwelling.

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Did You Know?

It has spread globally through the movement of compost and agricultural products.

Double-banded Scoliid

A robust black wasp with two prominent yellow bands across the abdomen. It is a beneficial garden insect that parasitizes scarab beetle grubs in lawns.

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Did You Know?

Gardeners often mistake it for a dangerous wasp, but it is actually a beneficial predator of lawn-destroying grubs.