Sand Wasp Strepsipteran vs Cloudless Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp Strepsipteran Cloudless Sulphur
Scientific Name Paraxenos lugubris Phoebis sennae
Order Strepsiptera Lepidoptera
Family Xenidae Pieridae
Size 2.5-4.0 mm (males) 54-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Parasites Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa North America, Central America, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Sand Wasp Strepsipteran

A strepsipteran parasite of sand wasps in the genus Bembix. It is found in sandy coastal areas where its host wasps nest.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized sand wasps often have visibly protruding strepsipteran puparia between their abdominal segments.

Cloudless Sulphur

Large unmarked lemon-yellow butterfly; females may have faint spots. Common and conspicuous across the southern United States.

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Did You Know?

Large fall migrations of thousands can be seen streaming southward along the Atlantic coast.