Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid vs Broad-shouldered Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid | Broad-shouldered Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anagyrus lopezi | Chrysomela tremula |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Encyrtidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 7-11 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | Africa, South America (native) | Europe, Siberia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid
A tiny encyrtid wasp credited with saving Africa's cassava crop from devastating mealybug infestations. It was introduced from South America in the 1980s as a biological control agent.
Did You Know?
Its release across Africa is considered one of the most successful biological control programs in history, saving millions from famine.
Broad-shouldered Leaf Beetle
A robust, convex beetle with dark metallic greenish-black to bronze elytra and irregular rows of punctures. It is closely associated with aspen and poplar trees.
Did You Know?
Populations of this beetle can reach outbreak levels in aspen plantations, completely stripping trees of their foliage.