American Wasp Xenid vs Silverfish Strepsipteran
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Wasp Xenid | Silverfish Strepsipteran |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xenos peckii | Mengenilla chobauti |
| Order | Strepsiptera | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Xenidae | Mengenillidae |
| Size | 3.0-5.0 mm (males) | 2.0-3.5 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
American Wasp Xenid
A parasite of paper wasps in eastern North America, commonly found in Polistes fuscatus colonies. It dramatically alters host wasp behavior.
Did You Know?
Up to 40% of paper wasps in some colonies can be parasitized by this twisted-wing parasite.
Silverfish Strepsipteran
A primitive strepsipteran that parasitizes silverfish and firebrats. Unlike most strepsipterans, the adult female is free-living.
Did You Know?
This is one of the most primitive strepsipterans, and the free-living adult female resembles a tiny larva.