Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite vs Spanish Copris
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite | Spanish Copris |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cotesia medicaginis | Copris hispanus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 18-27mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
Spanish Copris
A large shiny black dung beetle with a single curved horn on the males head. It constructs elaborate underground brood chambers beneath dung pats.
Did You Know?
Both parents cooperate to sculpt perfectly round dung balls in underground chambers and guard them until the larvae pupate.