Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite vs Green Lacewing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite | Green Lacewing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cotesia medicaginis | Chrysoperla carnea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Chrysopidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 12-20 mm body, 30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Worldwide |
| 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.
Green Lacewing
Delicate green insects with lace-like wings and golden eyes. Larvae are ferocious predators nicknamed "aphid lions." Widely used in biological pest control.
Did You Know?
Lacewing larvae are such effective predators they are nicknamed "aphid lions" — a single larva can devour 200 aphids per week during its development.