Cabbage Looper Parasite vs Chestnut Gall Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cabbage Looper Parasite Chestnut Gall Wasp
Scientific Name Microplitis plutellae Dryocosmus kuriphilus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Cynipidae
Size 2-4 mm 2.5–3 mm
Habitat Farmland Orchards
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions North America, Europe, Asia East Asia, Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Cabbage Looper Parasite

A small dark braconid wasp that attacks caterpillars of the diamondback moth and cabbage looper. A single larva emerges and spins a dark cocoon beside the dead host.

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Did You Know?

The emerging larva spins its cocoon so fast that the entire pupation process is completed within just a few hours.

Chestnut Gall Wasp

An invasive gall wasp from China that is the most damaging pest of chestnut trees worldwide. It induces galls on buds and leaves, reducing nut yields.

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Did You Know?

It reproduces entirely through parthenogenesis; no males have ever been found in any population.