Common Potter Wasp vs Aphytis Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Potter Wasp | Aphytis Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eumenes fraternus | Aphytis melinus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Aphelinidae |
| Size | 13-17 mm | 0.8-1.2 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Orchards |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Worldwide citrus-growing regions |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Common Potter Wasp
A North American potter wasp that builds small globular mud cells on plant stems and twigs. The female suspends her egg on a silk thread inside the pot before sealing it.
Did You Know?
The egg is hung on a thread from the ceiling of the pot so the larva can begin eating the paralyzed caterpillars below without being crushed.
Aphytis Wasp
A tiny golden-yellow parasitoid wasp that is the primary biocontrol agent of California red scale on citrus. It lays eggs beneath the scale cover where its larva feeds externally on the host.
Did You Know?
California produces over one billion of these wasps per year for release in citrus orchards.