Tundra Ichneumon Wasp vs Black and Gold Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tundra Ichneumon Wasp | Black and Gold Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ichneumon gracilicornis | Dasymutilla nigripes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada | Central North America |
| 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.
Black and Gold Velvet Ant
A medium-sized velvet ant with golden-orange hair on the thorax contrasting with its black legs and abdomen. It is found across the central United States.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants can survive being stung by almost any predator due to their nearly impenetrable exoskeleton.