Aphytis Wasp vs Emerald Driver Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aphytis Wasp Emerald Driver Ant
Scientific Name Aphytis melinus Dorylus emeryi
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Aphelinidae Dorylidae
Size 0.8-1.2 mm 3-12 mm
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions Worldwide citrus-growing regions West Africa (Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Aphytis Wasp

A tiny golden-yellow parasitoid wasp that is the primary biocontrol agent of California red scale on citrus. It lays eggs beneath the scale cover where its larva feeds externally on the host.

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Did You Know?

California produces over one billion of these wasps per year for release in citrus orchards.

Emerald Driver Ant

A medium-sized driver ant with dark brown to black coloration found in West African forests. Colonies conduct raiding parties primarily at night. Workers form living bridges and chains with their bodies to cross obstacles.

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Did You Know?

Workers can form living rafts by linking their bodies together to cross streams and flooded areas during raids.