Asian Xenid vs Halictid Stylops

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Xenid Halictid Stylops
Scientific Name Xenos oxyodontes Stylops nassonowi
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Xenidae Stylopidae
Size 3.0-4.5 mm (males) 1.5-3.0 mm (males)
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Asia Europe, Asia
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.

Halictid Stylops

A twisted-wing parasite that targets sweat bees in the family Halictidae. Parasitized bees show altered behavior and suppressed reproduction.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized bees are effectively castrated and their behavior changes so dramatically the phenomenon is called parasitic castration.