Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid vs Green Metallic Tunneler
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid | Green Metallic Tunneler |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anagyrus lopezi | Onitis alexis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Encyrtidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 14-22 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South America (native) | Africa, introduced to Australia |
| 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.
Green Metallic Tunneler
A medium-sized tunneling dung beetle with a metallic green pronotum and dark brown elytra. Males have an enlarged prothorax. It constructs vertical tunnels beneath cattle dung and is nocturnal.
Did You Know?
Introduced to Australia in the 1980s, this species was specifically targeted for its ability to handle cattle dung in tropical climates.