Sabre Wasp vs Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sabre Wasp Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp
Scientific Name Rhyssa persuasoria Scolia dubia
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Scoliidae
Size 25-40 mm body length 18-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sabre Wasp

The largest European ichneumon wasp, recognized by its black-and-white banded body. It parasitizes the larvae of wood wasps within conifer trunks.

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Did You Know?

She can detect a wood wasp larva through several centimeters of solid timber using her antennae.

Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp

A black and reddish-brown wasp with iridescent blue wings commonly seen on flowers in late summer. It parasitizes green June beetle and Japanese beetle grubs.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the best natural controls for Japanese beetle grubs, which are major lawn and garden pests.