Northern Clouded Yellow vs Sand Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Northern Clouded Yellow | Sand Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colias hecla | Bembix rostrata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Crabronidae |
| Size | 38-50 mm wingspan | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia | Europe, North Africa, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Northern Clouded Yellow
A bright orange-yellow butterfly with broad dark borders on the upperwings. The underside is greenish-yellow with a prominent silver discal spot. It is a strong, fast flier over tundra terrain.
Did You Know?
This butterfly was first described from specimens collected in Greenland by early polar explorers.
Sand Wasp
A robust wasp that digs burrows in sandy soil and provisions them with flies. It progressively feeds its larvae fresh prey over several days.
Did You Know?
Unlike most solitary wasps, the mother continues to care for and feed her larvae after hatching.