Parnopes Cuckoo Wasp vs Frangipani Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Parnopes Cuckoo Wasp | Frangipani Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Parnopes grandior | Pseudosphinx tetrio |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysididae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 8-13 mm | 100-140 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia | Southern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Parnopes Cuckoo Wasp
A large and robust cuckoo wasp with a metallic green thorax and brilliant red abdomen. It exclusively parasitizes beewolf wasps in sandy habitats.
Did You Know?
It is entirely dependent on beewolf wasps for reproduction, so its populations decline wherever beewolves disappear.
Frangipani Hawk Moth
A large gray hawk moth whose larvae are among the most spectacular caterpillars in the world, with bold black and yellow banding and a bright red head. It is common throughout the tropics.
Did You Know?
The frangipani caterpillar's vivid warning coloration and ability to sequester toxic alkaloids from its host plant make it one of the most conspicuous and well-defended caterpillars in the Americas.