Spider-hunting Wasp vs Black Headed Birch Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spider-hunting Wasp Black Headed Birch Sawfly
Scientific Name Anoplius nigerrimus Craesus alniastri
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pompilidae Tenthredinidae
Size 12-18mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spider-hunting Wasp

A large all-black spider-hunting wasp that drags paralyzed wolf spiders back to its burrow.

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Did You Know?

Paralyzes a wolf spider with a precise sting to the nerve ganglion then drags it backwards to its burrow.

Black Headed Birch Sawfly

A medium-sized sawfly with a dark head and orange body. Larvae are greenish-blue with black heads and feed communally on birch and alder leaves.

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Did You Know?

When a predator approaches, the entire colony of larvae simultaneously rears up and thrashes, making the group appear larger and more threatening.