Jewel Wasp Pteromalid vs Frit Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jewel Wasp Pteromalid Frit Fly
Scientific Name Nasonia vitripennis Oscinella frit
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Pteromalidae Chloropidae
Size 1-2.5 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasitoids Herbivores
Regions Worldwide Europe, temperate worldwide
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.

Frit Fly

A tiny fly that is a major pest of oat crops and ryegrass. Larvae bore into plant stems causing 'dead heart'. Named from the Swedish word for grain. Multiple generations per year.

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Did You Know?

Despite being only 1.5mm long, it can destroy entire crops of oats by killing the growing shoot inside each stem.