Citrus Mealybug Encyrtid vs Long-Horned Xiphydriid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Mealybug Encyrtid Long-Horned Xiphydriid
Scientific Name Leptomastix dactylopii Xiphydria prolongata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Encyrtidae Xiphydriidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 14-20 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Wood Feeders
Regions South America, Mediterranean, Worldwide (introduced) East Asia, Japan
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.

Long-Horned Xiphydriid

A slender wood wasp with an exceptionally long neck region and thread-like antennae. The body is dark brown with scattered pale markings.

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Did You Know?

Xiphydriid species in East Asia show greater diversity than in any other region, suggesting this may be the family's center of origin.