Cabbage Looper Parasite vs Predatory Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cabbage Looper Parasite Predatory Thrips
Scientific Name Microplitis plutellae Aeolothrips intermedius
Order Hymenoptera Thysanoptera
Family Braconidae Aeolothripidae
Size 2-4 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Predators
Regions North America, Europe, Asia Europe, Asia
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.

Predatory Thrips

A beneficial predatory thrips that feeds on spider mites, other thrips, and small insects. It has distinctive banded wings and is valued in biological control.

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Did You Know?

This thrips is one of the few species in the order that is considered beneficial, as it preys on pest mites and other thrips.