Aphytis Wasp vs Pear Leaf-curling Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Aphytis Wasp | Pear Leaf-curling Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphytis melinus | Dasineura pyri |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Aphelinidae | Cecidomyiidae |
| Size | 0.8-1.2 mm | 1-2 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | Worldwide citrus-growing regions | Europe, Asia, introduced to North America and Australia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
California produces over one billion of these wasps per year for release in citrus orchards.
Pear Leaf-curling Midge
A minute gall midge whose larvae cause pear leaves to roll tightly inward along their margins. Multiple generations can occur per year, progressively damaging pear tree foliage.
Did You Know?
The larvae manipulate plant growth hormones to force leaves to curl around them, creating a protective shelter.