Gypsy Moth Parasite vs Spined Sweat Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gypsy Moth Parasite | Spined Sweat Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cotesia melanoscela | Agapostemon splendens |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Halictidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Eastern North America | Eastern North America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first parasitoid wasps deliberately imported to North America for classical biological control in the early 1900s.
Spined Sweat Bee
A brilliantly iridescent green sweat bee with bluish reflections found in the eastern United States. Both sexes are entirely metallic green, unlike many other Agapostemon species.
Did You Know?
It strongly prefers nesting in moist or damp soil near water, unlike most other sweat bees that prefer drier substrates.