Cotesia Congregata vs Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cotesia Congregata Alder Cimbicid Sawfly
Scientific Name Cotesia congregata Cimbex americanus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Cimbicidae
Size 2-3 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Parasitoids Wood Feeders
Regions North America North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Cotesia Congregata

A gregarious endoparasitoid whose larvae emerge en masse from hornworm caterpillars to spin white cocoons on the host's skin. It is a well-known natural enemy of tobacco and tomato hornworms.

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Did You Know?

Up to 300 larvae can emerge from a single hornworm caterpillar, covering it in tiny white silk cocoons.

Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

The largest sawfly in North America, with a robust body up to 25 mm long, clubbed antennae, and smoky brown wings. Body color varies from black to brownish-yellow.

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Did You Know?

The large, green larvae can squirt a fluid from lateral glands when disturbed, similar to their European relative Cimbex femoratus.