Silver-washed Fritillary vs Parasitic Wood Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silver-washed Fritillary Parasitic Wood Wasp
Scientific Name Argynnis paphia Orussus abietinus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Nymphalidae Orussidae
Size 54-70 mm wingspan 8-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silver-washed Fritillary

A large, fast-flying butterfly with bright orange upperwings marked with black spots and streaks. The hindwing underside has distinctive silvery-green washed streaks.

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Did You Know?

Males perform a spectacular aerial courtship display, flying loops underneath the female while releasing pheromones from specialized wing scales.

Parasitic Wood Wasp

A small, dark-bodied wasp-like insect with a flattened head and short antennae inserted below the eyes. It is among the most primitive parasitoid Hymenoptera.

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Did You Know?

Orussidae are considered the evolutionary link between sawflies and parasitoid wasps, making them key to understanding Hymenoptera evolution.