European Corn Borer Parasite vs Blue Orchard Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Corn Borer Parasite Blue Orchard Bee
Scientific Name Macrocentrus grandii Osmia lignaria
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Megachilidae
Size 5-8 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Corn Borer Parasite

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

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Did You Know?

A single egg divides into up to 30 genetically identical larvae inside the host through polyembryony.

Blue Orchard Bee

A metallic dark blue solitary bee that nests in pre-existing holes in wood. It is an exceptionally efficient pollinator of fruit trees, significantly outperforming honey bees per individual.

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Did You Know?

A single blue orchard bee can pollinate as effectively as 60 to 80 honey bees, making them increasingly important for commercial fruit production.