Alfalfa Weevil Parasitoid vs Cabbage Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alfalfa Weevil Parasitoid Cabbage Moth
Scientific Name Bathyplectes curculionis Mamestra brassicae
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Ichneumonidae Noctuidae
Size 2-4 mm Wingspan 34-50mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America Europe, Asia
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.

Cabbage Moth

A mottled grey-brown moth with kidney-shaped and circular stigmata on the forewings. Its caterpillar is a serious pest of brassica crops worldwide.

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Did You Know?

A single caterpillar can bore deep into a cabbage head contaminating it with frass and making it unmarketable.