Tundra Ichneumon Wasp vs Common Potter Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tundra Ichneumon Wasp | Common Potter Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ichneumon gracilicornis | Eumenes fraternus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 13-17 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Underground |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, subarctic Canada | Eastern 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.
Common Potter Wasp
A North American potter wasp that builds small globular mud cells on plant stems and twigs. The female suspends her egg on a silk thread inside the pot before sealing it.
Did You Know?
The egg is hung on a thread from the ceiling of the pot so the larva can begin eating the paralyzed caterpillars below without being crushed.