Swarm-Founding Wasp vs New Caledonian Monarch Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swarm-Founding Wasp New Caledonian Monarch Fly
Scientific Name Polybia paulista Bactrocera umbrosa
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Vespidae Tephritidae
Size 10-15 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay New Caledonia, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Swarm-Founding Wasp

A small dark social wasp that builds enclosed paper nests containing thousands of individuals. It is known for its aggressive colony defense.

💡

Did You Know?

Its venom contains a peptide called Polybia-MP1 that has shown the ability to selectively destroy cancer cells in laboratory studies.

New Caledonian Monarch Fly

A fruit fly found in New Caledonia and the western Pacific. It is a pest of breadfruit and jackfruit trees.

💡

Did You Know?

Males gather in large leks on fruit trees where they display to attract females.