Citrus Mealybug Encyrtid vs Goldsmith Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Mealybug Encyrtid Goldsmith Beetle
Scientific Name Leptomastix dactylopii Cotalpa lanigera
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Encyrtidae Scarabaeidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 20-26mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Parasitoids Root Feeders
Regions South America, Mediterranean, Worldwide (introduced) North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Citrus Mealybug Encyrtid

A solitary parasitoid wasp specific to citrus mealybugs, used globally in greenhouse biological control. Adults are slender with iridescent wings and long antennae.

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Did You Know?

A single female can parasitize up to 100 mealybugs in her lifetime, making her a potent biological control agent.

Goldsmith Beetle

A beautiful golden-yellow scarab beetle with a metallic luster and fuzzy underside. It is attracted to lights on warm summer nights.

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Did You Know?

Its genus name Cotalpa means golden shield referring to its remarkably bright metallic golden coloration.