Square-spot Rustic vs Japanese Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Square-spot Rustic | Japanese Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xestia xanthographa | Polistes japonicus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 32-38 mm wingspan | 11-15 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Gardens |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Square-spot Rustic
An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.
Did You Know?
Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.
Japanese Paper Wasp
A small dark paper wasp endemic to Japan that builds delicate open-comb nests under eaves and tree branches. It is one of the most common social wasps in Japanese gardens.
Did You Know?
Japanese beekeepers sometimes tolerate these wasps near apiaries because they prey on pest insects rather than honeybees.