Halictid Stylops vs Sweat Bee Stylops

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Halictid Stylops Sweat Bee Stylops
Scientific Name Stylops nassonowi Stylops nevinsoni
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Stylopidae Stylopidae
Size 1.5-3.0 mm (males) 2.0-3.0 mm (males)
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
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.

Sweat Bee Stylops

A strepsipteran endoparasite of Andrena bees in the British Isles. Parasitized bees emerge earlier than unparasitized individuals.

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Did You Know?

Infected bees emerge from hibernation earlier in spring, which helps the strepsipteran synchronize its mating season.