Caterpillar Tachinid vs Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Caterpillar Tachinid | Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lydella thompsoni | Anagyrus lopezi |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Encyrtidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 1-2 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Africa, South America (native) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Caterpillar Tachinid
A small gray parasitic fly that attacks European corn borer larvae. It was introduced to North America as a biological control agent.
Did You Know?
Females deposit live larvae rather than eggs directly onto the host caterpillar.
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.