Eye Gnat vs Jewel Wasp Pteromalid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eye Gnat | Jewel Wasp Pteromalid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Liohippelates pusio | Nasonia vitripennis |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Chloropidae | Pteromalidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 1-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Eye Gnat
A tiny, shiny black fly attracted to eye and wound secretions of humans and animals. It is a suspected mechanical vector of bacterial conjunctivitis and yaws in tropical regions. Its persistent swarming around the face makes it an extremely annoying pest in agricultural areas.
Did You Know?
These flies are so strongly attracted to eye secretions that they will persistently return to a person's face even after being brushed away dozens of times.
Jewel Wasp Pteromalid
A tiny jewel wasp that parasitizes the pupae of blowflies, flesh flies, and house flies. It is one of the most important model organisms in parasitoid biology and genetics.
Did You Know?
It has become a genetic model organism rivaling Drosophila, with its entire genome sequenced to study parasitism evolution.