Gypsy Moth Parasite vs Japanese Scoliid Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gypsy Moth Parasite Japanese Scoliid Wasp
Scientific Name Cotesia melanoscela Scolia oculata
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Scoliidae
Size 2-4 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Eastern North America Japan, China, Korea
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gypsy Moth Parasite

A small braconid introduced to North America to control the invasive gypsy moth. It attacks early-instar caterpillars and larvae emerge to pupate externally.

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Did You Know?

It was one of the first parasitoid wasps deliberately imported to North America for classical biological control in the early 1900s.

Japanese Scoliid Wasp

A large black wasp with distinctive eye-like yellow spots on the abdomen found in East Asia. It parasitizes the larvae of large dynastid beetles.

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Did You Know?

Its yellow abdominal markings resemble large eyes, which may serve to startle potential predators.