Aphidius Wasp vs Odorous House Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aphidius Wasp Odorous House Ant
Scientific Name Aphidius colemani Tapinoma sessile
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Formicidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 2.5-3 mm
Habitat Underground Indoors
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions Worldwide North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Aphidius Wasp

A minute parasitoid wasp widely used in greenhouses to control aphid pests. A single female can parasitize over 300 aphids in her lifetime.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized aphids turn into hardened golden-brown shells called 'mummies' from which new wasps emerge.

Odorous House Ant

A small dark brown ant that emits a distinctive rotten coconut smell when crushed. It is one of the most common household pest ants in North America.

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Did You Know?

The smell produced when crushed is caused by methyl ketones, the same compounds found in blue cheese.