Soldier Beetle vs Australian Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Soldier Beetle | Australian Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cantharis livida | Polistes humilis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Cantharidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 11-14 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Soldier Beetle
A soft-bodied beetle with orange-yellow elytra and a dark head. Adults are commonly seen on flower heads hunting small insects.
Did You Know?
They are sometimes called 'hogweed bonking beetles' due to mating pairs commonly seen on hogweed flowers.
Australian Paper Wasp
A common Australian paper wasp that builds small, open-celled papery nests under eaves, in shrubs, and other sheltered locations. It is a beneficial predator of caterpillars and other garden pests.
Did You Know?
Paper wasps chew wood fibres mixed with saliva to create their distinctive papery nests, a form of natural paper-making.