European Corn Borer Braconid vs Black Slip Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Corn Borer Braconid Black Slip Wasp
Scientific Name Macrocentrus cingulum Pimpla instigator
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Ichneumonidae
Size 4-7 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Parasitoids Parasitoids
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Corn Borer Braconid

A slender parasitoid wasp introduced to North America to control the European corn borer moth. It lays polyembryonic eggs that multiply inside the host.

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Did You Know?

A single egg can divide into up to 36 identical embryos inside one host caterpillar through polyembryony.

Black Slip Wasp

A medium-sized black ichneumon wasp that parasitizes butterfly and moth pupae. Uses its ovipositor to penetrate through cocoons. A common and widespread species.

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Did You Know?

Can drill its ovipositor through tough pupal cases and silk cocoons to reach the developing insect inside.