Copidosoma Polyembryonic Wasp vs Black Blow Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Copidosoma Polyembryonic Wasp Black Blow Fly
Scientific Name Copidosoma floridanum Phormia regina
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Encyrtidae Calliphoridae
Size 1-1.5 mm 9-13 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Carrion Feeders
Regions North America, Europe North America, Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Copidosoma Polyembryonic Wasp

A remarkable parasitoid in which a single egg divides into thousands of genetically identical embryos inside a moth caterpillar. The host continues feeding and growing while filled with developing wasp larvae.

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Did You Know?

A single fertilized egg can clone itself into over 3,000 genetically identical wasp larvae inside one caterpillar.

Black Blow Fly

A dark metallic blow fly that is among the first insects to colonize a corpse. It is a key species in forensic entomology across North America.

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Did You Know?

It can detect a dead body from over a mile away using chemoreceptors on its antennae.