Aphid Mummy Wasp vs Large Rose Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aphid Mummy Wasp Large Rose Sawfly
Scientific Name Aphidius ervi Arge pagana
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Argidae
Size 2-3 mm 7-10 mm (adult)
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America, South America, Oceania Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

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.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized aphids swell into distinctive metallic 'mummies' before the adult wasp chews a neat exit hole to emerge.

Large Rose Sawfly

A conspicuous sawfly whose larvae skeletonize rose leaves in gardens and parks. Adults are stout and black with an orange abdomen.

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Did You Know?

Larvae curl into an S-shape when disturbed and drop from the leaf as a defense mechanism.