Aphid Mummy Wasp vs Dark Kissing Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Aphid Mummy Wasp | Dark Kissing Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphidius ervi | Panstrongylus megistus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 26-34 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, South America, Oceania | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Aphid Mummy Wasp
A tiny parasitoid wasp widely used in biological control of pea aphids and other large aphid species. It turns parasitized aphids into hardened golden-brown 'mummies' from which new wasps emerge.
Did You Know?
Parasitized aphids swell into distinctive metallic 'mummies' before the adult wasp chews a neat exit hole to emerge.
Dark Kissing Bug
A large triatomine bug and important Chagas disease vector in Brazil. It has adapted to live in both sylvatic and domestic environments.
Did You Know?
It was the triatomine species Carlos Chagas used when he first discovered the disease that bears his name.