Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid vs Neotropical Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid | Neotropical Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anagyrus lopezi | Polistes canadensis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Encyrtidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 25-30 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa, South America (native) | Central America, northern South America, Caribbean |
| 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.
Neotropical Paper Wasp
A large reddish-brown paper wasp with dark wings that builds open-comb nests under eaves and branches. It is one of the most common social wasps in the Neotropics.
Did You Know?
This was the first wasp species shown to recognize individual nestmates by their unique facial markings.