Cabbage Looper Parasite vs Green Metallic Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cabbage Looper Parasite Green Metallic Bee
Scientific Name Microplitis plutellae Augochloropsis metallica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Halictidae
Size 2-4 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions North America, Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Green Metallic Bee

A large, robustly built metallic green sweat bee common throughout eastern North America. It is a ground-nesting communal species often found in dense nesting aggregations.

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Did You Know?

Despite their jewel-like appearance, they are commonly overlooked because they are often mistaken for small green flies.