Small Rivulet vs Malagasy Paper Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Rivulet Malagasy Paper Wasp
Scientific Name Perizoma alchemillata Polistes olivaceus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Geometridae Vespidae
Size 18-22 mm wingspan 15-20 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Rivulet

A delicate small moth found in damp habitats where hemp agrimony grows. The larvae feed inside the flowers. Has subtle grey and white wing markings.

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Did You Know?

The larvae develop entirely within hemp agrimony flower heads, emerging only to pupate.

Malagasy Paper Wasp

A slender wasp with an olive-brown body, long dangling legs, and narrow waist. It builds small, exposed paper nests from chewed plant fibers on the underside of leaves and eaves.

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Did You Know?

Females establish dominance hierarchies on the nest, with the queen maintaining her rank through aggressive posturing and antenna drumming.