Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite vs Yellow-legged Ophion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite | Yellow-legged Ophion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cotesia medicaginis | Ophion scutellaris |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Ichneumonidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasitoids |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
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.