Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid vs Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid Alder Cimbicid Sawfly
Scientific Name Encarsia formosa Cimbex americanus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Eulophidae Cimbicidae
Size 0.5-0.8 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Parasitoids Wood Feeders
Regions Worldwide North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid

The most widely used parasitoid wasp in greenhouse biological control worldwide. Parasitized whitefly nymphs turn black, making monitoring easy.

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Did You Know?

It reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis since males are extremely rare in commercial populations.

Alder Cimbicid Sawfly

The largest sawfly in North America, with a robust body up to 25 mm long, clubbed antennae, and smoky brown wings. Body color varies from black to brownish-yellow.

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Did You Know?

The large, green larvae can squirt a fluid from lateral glands when disturbed, similar to their European relative Cimbex femoratus.