Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid vs Juniper Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid Juniper Hairstreak
Scientific Name Encarsia formosa Callophrys gryneus
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Eulophidae Lycaenidae
Size 0.5-0.8 mm 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Worldwide Eastern and central United States wherever red cedar grows
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.

Juniper Hairstreak

A small green hairstreak butterfly with intricate white line patterns on its hindwing underside. Its bright green underside provides camouflage among cedar foliage.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar perfectly matches the green of cedar foliage and is nearly impossible to spot among the needles.