Asian Xenid vs American Wasp Xenid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Xenid American Wasp Xenid
Scientific Name Xenos oxyodontes Xenos peckii
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Xenidae Xenidae
Size 3.0-4.5 mm (males) 3.0-5.0 mm (males)
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Asia North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Asian Xenid

A strepsipteran parasite of Ropalidia paper wasps in tropical Asia. It modifies host wasp social behavior and colony dynamics.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized worker wasps become lazy freeloaders that beg food from nestmates instead of foraging.

American Wasp Xenid

A parasite of paper wasps in eastern North America, commonly found in Polistes fuscatus colonies. It dramatically alters host wasp behavior.

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Did You Know?

Up to 40% of paper wasps in some colonies can be parasitized by this twisted-wing parasite.