Grain Pteromalid vs Sirex Woodwasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grain Pteromalid Sirex Woodwasp
Scientific Name Anisopteromalus calandrae Sirex noctilio
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pteromalidae Siricidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 15-36 mm
Habitat Gardens Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Fungus Feeders
Regions Worldwide Europe, Africa, Australasia, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Grain Pteromalid

A tiny parasitoid of grain weevil and bruchid beetle larvae concealed inside stored cereal grains. It is widely used in biological control of stored-product pests.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect beetle larvae hidden inside wheat kernels by drumming on the grain surface with their antennae.

Sirex Woodwasp

A large blue-black woodwasp that bores into pine trees to lay eggs. It injects a symbiotic fungus into the wood that feeds its developing larvae.

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Did You Know?

Females carry a special fungus in abdominal glands and inoculate trees during egg-laying.