Aphytis Wasp vs Peachtree Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aphytis Wasp Peachtree Borer
Scientific Name Aphytis melinus Synanthedon exitiosa
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Aphelinidae Sesiidae
Size 0.8-1.2 mm 25–33 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Parasitoids Fruit Feeders
Regions Worldwide citrus-growing regions North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

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.

Peachtree Borer

A clearwing moth that is the most destructive borer of peach trees in North America. Larvae feed in the bark at the soil line of stone fruit trees.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can girdle and kill a young peach tree in one season by feeding completely around the trunk base.