Fairyfly Wasp vs Lemon-tree Borer Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fairyfly Wasp Lemon-tree Borer Parasite
Scientific Name Dicopomorpha echmepterygis Diachasmimorpha longicaudata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Mymaridae Braconidae
Size 0.139-0.240 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Underground Orchards
Diet Parasitoids Fruit Feeders
Regions North America Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central America, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Fairyfly Wasp

The smallest known insect in the world at just 0.139 mm in length. Males are blind, wingless, and smaller than some single-celled organisms.

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Did You Know?

Males of this species are smaller than a paramecium — they are blind and wingless, existing solely to mate with sisters before they even leave the host egg.

Lemon-tree Borer Parasite

A parasitoid of fruit fly larvae that has been released worldwide for biological control of tephritid pests. Females locate host larvae concealed inside ripening fruit using their long ovipositors.

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Did You Know?

She can pierce through the rind of a mango or guava to deposit an egg directly onto a fruit fly maggot inside.