Short-tailed Ichneumon vs Short-winged Mold Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Short-tailed Ichneumon Short-winged Mold Beetle
Scientific Name Ophion luteus Pselaphus heisei
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Staphylinidae
Size 15-20 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasitoids Detritivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Short-tailed Ichneumon

A nocturnal parasitoid wasp with a strongly compressed, amber-orange body. It is commonly attracted to lights at night throughout Europe.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most ichneumons, Ophion luteus is almost entirely nocturnal and frequently enters houses drawn by artificial light.

Short-winged Mold Beetle

A tiny rove beetle with clubbed antennae that feeds on mites in leaf litter and soil. Its short wing cases and ant-like body make it distinctive.

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Did You Know?

It possesses specialized antennal clubs covered in sensory pits used for detecting prey in total darkness.