Aphid Mummy Wasp vs Hairy-saddled Colletes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Aphid Mummy Wasp | Hairy-saddled Colletes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphidius ervi | Colletes succinctus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Colletidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, South America, Oceania | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Near Threatened |
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.
Hairy-saddled Colletes
A late-summer plasterer bee that is a specialist on heather, secreting a cellophane-like lining in its underground nest cells. It is an important heathland indicator species.
Did You Know?
The cellophane-like substance it secretes to waterproof its nest cells is a unique biopolymer not found in any other group of animals.