Alfalfa Weevil Parasitoid vs Australian Flower Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alfalfa Weevil Parasitoid Australian Flower Wasp
Scientific Name Bathyplectes curculionis Campsomeris tasmaniensis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Scoliidae
Size 2-4 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alfalfa Weevil Parasitoid

A small parasitoid wasp that attacks alfalfa weevil larvae in North America. It was introduced from Europe as a classical biological control agent.

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Did You Know?

This wasp reduced alfalfa weevil populations by over 75% in some areas after its introduction.

Australian Flower Wasp

A hairy black and orange scoliid wasp endemic to Australia. Males patrol flowers while females dig into soil to parasitize curl grub beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Males are commonly seen hovering over lawns in large numbers, searching for females emerging from underground.