Encyrtus Scale Parasite vs Red-Tipped Tumbling Flower Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Encyrtus Scale Parasite Red-Tipped Tumbling Flower Beetle
Scientific Name Encyrtus infelix Mordellina pustulata
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Encyrtidae Mordellidae
Size 1-2 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Gardens Meadows
Diet Parasitoids Parasitoids
Regions Mediterranean, North America, Australia Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Encyrtus Scale Parasite

A parasitoid wasp that attacks soft scale insects on citrus and ornamental trees. It was among the earliest parasitoids used in classical biological control programs.

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Did You Know?

Its introduction to California in the late 1800s was one of the pioneering successes of classical biological control.

Red-Tipped Tumbling Flower Beetle

A small tumbling flower beetle with dark elytra bearing reddish markings, found across Europe. Larvae develop inside the stems of composite plants.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae bore through the pith of thistle stems, pupating inside and emerging as adults through a neat exit hole.