Tundra Ichneumon Wasp vs Carpenter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tundra Ichneumon Wasp | Carpenter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ichneumon gracilicornis | Camponotus pennsylvanicus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 6-13 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Carpenter Ant
The largest common ant in North America, excavating smooth galleries in dead wood for nesting. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but merely remove it to create living space.
Did You Know?
Injured workers that cannot keep up during colony relocations are carried by nestmates to the new site.