Red Underwing vs Spider Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Underwing Spider Wasp
Scientific Name Catocala nupta Cryptocheilus bicolor
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Erebidae Pompilidae
Size Wingspan 70-82mm 20-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Underwing

A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.

Spider Wasp

A large orange and black wasp that hunts huntsman spiders for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

It paralyzes spiders many times its own weight and drags them to a burrow.