Jewel Wasp Pteromalid vs Silvery Leafcutter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jewel Wasp Pteromalid Silvery Leafcutter Bee
Scientific Name Nasonia vitripennis Megachile leachella
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pteromalidae Megachilidae
Size 1-2.5 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Worldwide Europe
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.

Silvery Leafcutter Bee

A coastal specialist bee with silvery-white hair on the underside of the abdomen. It nests in sandy ground near the coast.

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Did You Know?

It lines its nest cells with cut pieces of petals rather than leaves, unlike most leafcutter bees.