Spider-hunting Wasp vs Giant Petaltail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spider-hunting Wasp Giant Petaltail
Scientific Name Anoplius nigerrimus Petalura gigantea
Order Hymenoptera Odonata
Family Pompilidae Petaluridae
Size 12-18mm 100-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Oceania
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.

Giant Petaltail

One of the largest dragonflies in Australia and a living fossil belonging to the most ancient dragonfly family. Its larvae live in boggy ground rather than open water.

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Did You Know?

Giant petaltails belong to the family Petaluridae, which has fossil records dating back over 150 million years, making them living fossils among dragonflies.