Saxon Wasp vs Ant-Mimicking Treehopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saxon Wasp Ant-Mimicking Treehopper
Scientific Name Dolichovespula saxonica Cyphonia clavata
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Vespidae Membracidae
Size 12-18 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Saxon Wasp

A social wasp that builds distinctive grey football-shaped nests in trees and bushes. It is generally docile and its colonies die off naturally by late summer.

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Did You Know?

It was first confirmed breeding in Britain only in 1987, having expanded its range from mainland Europe.

Ant-Mimicking Treehopper

A treehopper with a pronotal projection shaped like an ant sitting on its back. The ant mimic is thought to deter predators from attacking.

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Did You Know?

The "ant" on its back is actually a hollow extension of its pronotum viewed from certain angles.