Tundra Ichneumon Wasp vs Arctic Tiger Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tundra Ichneumon Wasp | Arctic Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ichneumon gracilicornis | Grammia quenseli |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 34-44 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada | Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tundra Ichneumon Wasp
A medium-sized ichneumon wasp with a black body and conspicuous yellow-banded abdomen. It has a long, slender ovipositor for parasitizing moth pupae. Adults are active during the Arctic summer's long daylight hours.
Did You Know?
Ichneumon wasps in the Arctic play a crucial role in controlling outbreaks of defoliating moths in birch forests.
Arctic Tiger Moth
A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.