Sirex Woodwasp vs Seven-spotted Ladybird
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sirex Woodwasp | Seven-spotted Ladybird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sirex noctilio | Hippodamia variegata |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Siricidae | Coccinellidae |
| Size | 15-36 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Australasia, South America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sirex Woodwasp
A large blue-black woodwasp that bores into pine trees to lay eggs. It injects a symbiotic fungus into the wood that feeds its developing larvae.
Did You Know?
Females carry a special fungus in abdominal glands and inoculate trees during egg-laying.
Seven-spotted Ladybird
A small, variably marked ladybird that is an important predator of aphids in agricultural settings. Often found in open, dry habitats. Less well-known than the common seven-spot.
Did You Know?
Despite sharing a similar common name, this species is more tolerant of hot, dry conditions than the familiar seven-spot ladybird.