Black Slip Wasp vs Pubic Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Slip Wasp Pubic Louse
Scientific Name Pimpla instigator Pthirus pubis
Order Hymenoptera Phthiraptera
Family Ichneumonidae Pthiridae
Size 12-16 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasitoids Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.

Pubic Louse

A broad, crab-shaped louse that infests coarse body hair, primarily in the pubic region. It is transmitted through intimate contact.

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Did You Know?

Pubic lice are more closely related to gorilla lice than to human head lice, suggesting an ancient host-switching event between primate species.