Pill Cockroach vs Median Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pill Cockroach Median Wasp
Scientific Name Perisphaerus pygmaeus Dolichovespula media
Order Blattodea Hymenoptera
Family Blaberidae Vespidae
Size 8-12 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Detritivores Sap Feeders
Regions Asia Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Pill Cockroach

A tiny cockroach that rolls into a perfect ball like a pillbug when threatened.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs cling to the mother and feed on secretions from her body surface.

Median Wasp

A large social wasp that builds aerial paper nests in trees and shrubs across Europe. They are less aggressive than yellowjackets and colonies typically contain around 200 workers.

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Did You Know?

Their nests are beautifully layered with bands of different colored paper made from various wood sources.