Citrus Mealybug Encyrtid vs Spider Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Citrus Mealybug Encyrtid | Spider Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leptomastix dactylopii | Cryptocheilus bicolor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Encyrtidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 20-35 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | South America, Mediterranean, Worldwide (introduced) | Oceania |
| 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.
Did You Know?
A single female can parasitize up to 100 mealybugs in her lifetime, making her a potent biological control agent.
Spider Wasp
A large orange and black wasp that hunts huntsman spiders for its larvae.
Did You Know?
It paralyzes spiders many times its own weight and drags them to a burrow.