Yellow-legged Ophion vs Early Thorn
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow-legged Ophion | Early Thorn |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ophion scutellaris | Selenia dentaria |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 32-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Yellow-legged Ophion
A large orange-brown ichneumon wasp commonly attracted to light at night. Parasitizes large moth caterpillars. Has a laterally compressed, blade-like abdomen.
Did You Know?
One of the most commonly reported ichneumon wasps in houses, drawn to lights on summer evenings.
Early Thorn
A moth that resembles a dead leaf when at rest, with twig-like resting posture. The spring generation is larger and darker than the summer generation. Comes readily to light.
Did You Know?
When at rest, this moth perches with wings raised over its back like a butterfly, mimicking a dead leaf.