Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite vs Angle Shades
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite | Angle Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cotesia medicaginis | Phlogophora meticulosa |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 45-52 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, western Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite
A small braconid wasp that parasitizes alfalfa butterfly caterpillars in agricultural fields. Larvae spin white cocoons after emerging from the host.
Did You Know?
It can reduce alfalfa caterpillar populations by over 50% in some fields without any pesticide use.
Angle Shades
A moth with uniquely crumpled wings in olive, pink, and brown that perfectly resemble a dead leaf. It can be found in every month of the year in mild climates.
Did You Know?
Its wings naturally fold into angular creases at rest, enhancing its dead-leaf camouflage.