Jewel Wasp Pteromalid vs Australian Mantidfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jewel Wasp Pteromalid Australian Mantidfly
Scientific Name Nasonia vitripennis Campion australis
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Pteromalidae Mantispidae
Size 1-2.5 mm 16-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Parasitoids
Regions Worldwide Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Jewel Wasp Pteromalid

A tiny jewel wasp that parasitizes the pupae of blowflies, flesh flies, and house flies. It is one of the most important model organisms in parasitoid biology and genetics.

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Did You Know?

It has become a genetic model organism rivaling Drosophila, with its entire genome sequenced to study parasitism evolution.

Australian Mantidfly

An Australian mantidfly found in eucalyptus forests and dry woodland. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights at night.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly recorded mantidfly species in southeastern Australian light-trap studies.