Halictid Stylops vs Silverfish Strepsipteran

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Halictid Stylops Silverfish Strepsipteran
Scientific Name Stylops nassonowi Mengenilla chobauti
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Stylopidae Mengenillidae
Size 1.5-3.0 mm (males) 2.0-3.5 mm (males)
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Halictid Stylops

A twisted-wing parasite that targets sweat bees in the family Halictidae. Parasitized bees show altered behavior and suppressed reproduction.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized bees are effectively castrated and their behavior changes so dramatically the phenomenon is called parasitic castration.

Silverfish Strepsipteran

A primitive strepsipteran that parasitizes silverfish and firebrats. Unlike most strepsipterans, the adult female is free-living.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the most primitive strepsipterans, and the free-living adult female resembles a tiny larva.