Aphytis Wasp vs Southeast Asian Stingless Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aphytis Wasp Southeast Asian Stingless Bee
Scientific Name Aphytis melinus Heterotrigona itama
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Aphelinidae Apidae
Size 0.8-1.2 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Worldwide citrus-growing regions Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand
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.

Southeast Asian Stingless Bee

A popular managed stingless bee in Malaysia and Indonesia valued for its medicinal honey. They construct their nests in tree hollows and human-made hive boxes.

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Did You Know?

Their honey commands prices several times higher than regular honey due to its limited production and perceived health benefits.