Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid vs Florida Twig Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid | Florida Twig Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anagyrus lopezi | Pseudomyrmex ejectus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Encyrtidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South America (native) | Southeastern United States |
| 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.
Florida Twig Ant
A small yellowish ant that nests in dead twigs in the canopy of southeastern US forests. It is arboreal and rarely descends to the ground.
Did You Know?
Their tiny twig nests are often discovered when dead branches fall and the surprised ants come pouring out.