Black Slip Wasp vs Sweet Itch Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Slip Wasp | Sweet Itch Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pimpla instigator | Culicoides obsoletus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Ceratopogonidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.
Sweet Itch Midge
A tiny dark biting midge with patterned wings that causes an allergic skin condition called sweet itch in horses. It breeds in moist, organically rich habitats.
Did You Know?
It is the primary vector of Bluetongue virus in livestock across Europe.