Velvet Tree Ant vs European Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Velvet Tree Ant | European Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Liometopum occidentale | Episyron albonotatum |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Velvet Tree Ant
A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.
Did You Know?
Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.
European Spider Wasp
A medium-sized black spider wasp with white markings that hunts orb-weaving spiders across Europe. It nests in sandy soil near the edges of paths.
Did You Know?
It carries captured spiders by flying short distances while holding them underneath its body.