Emerald Ash Borer Parasite vs European Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emerald Ash Borer Parasite | European Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Spathius agrili | Mutilla europaea |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasitoids |
| Regions | East Asia, Eastern North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Emerald Ash Borer Parasite
A parasitoid wasp from China released in North America to combat the devastating emerald ash borer beetle. Females drill through bark to reach host larvae.
Did You Know?
It was approved for release in the US in 2007 as part of an emergency effort to save North American ash trees.
European Velvet Ant
A robust wingless wasp with black and orange-red banding and dense velvety hair. Females enter bumblebee nests to lay eggs on their pupae.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few insects that specifically targets bumblebee nests, sneaking in while the colony is less active.