Ash Whitefly Parasitoid vs Desert Fire Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ash Whitefly Parasitoid Desert Fire Ant
Scientific Name Encarsia inaron Solenopsis aurea
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Eulophidae Formicidae
Size 0.5-1 mm 2-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Parasitoids Carrion Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ash Whitefly Parasitoid

A minute parasitoid wasp that attacks whitefly nymphs on ash trees and other hosts. It was introduced to California to control the ash whitefly.

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Did You Know?

It successfully eliminated ash whitefly as a pest in southern California within just a few years of introduction.

Desert Fire Ant

A golden-colored fire ant native to the deserts of the American Southwest. It builds inconspicuous nests in sandy soil and forages for insects.

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Did You Know?

Unlike its notorious invasive cousin, it is docile and rarely stings unless its nest is directly disturbed.