Parasitic Wood Wasp vs Acorn Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Parasitic Wood Wasp Acorn Moth
Scientific Name Orussus abietinus Blastobasis glandulella
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Orussidae Blastobasidae
Size 8-14 mm 15–22 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Parasitic Wood Wasp

A small, dark-bodied wasp-like insect with a flattened head and short antennae inserted below the eyes. It is among the most primitive parasitoid Hymenoptera.

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Did You Know?

Orussidae are considered the evolutionary link between sawflies and parasitoid wasps, making them key to understanding Hymenoptera evolution.

Acorn Moth

A small moth whose larvae bore into and consume the contents of acorns on the forest floor. It is common in oak woodlands across eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

In heavy infestation years, it can destroy over half the acorn crop on the forest floor.