Encyrtus Scale Parasite vs Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Encyrtus Scale Parasite | Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Encyrtus infelix | Dasymutilla occidentalis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Encyrtidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Mediterranean, North America, Australia | North America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its introduction to California in the late 1800s was one of the pioneering successes of classical biological control.
Velvet Ant
Not actually an ant but a wasp. Females are wingless and covered in dense, colorful hair. Known as "cow killers" for their extremely painful sting. Parasitize ground-nesting bees.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants have been called the most indestructible insects — their exoskeleton is so tough that entomological pins bend when trying to pierce them.