Keyhole Wasp vs Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Keyhole Wasp Aphid
Scientific Name Pachodynerus nasidens Myzus persicae
Order Hymenoptera Hemiptera
Family Vespidae Aphididae
Size 10-15 mm 1-3 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Americas, introduced to Australia Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Keyhole Wasp

A mud-nesting wasp notorious for building nests inside aircraft pitot tubes. It has caused aviation incidents by blocking airspeed sensors.

💡

Did You Know?

Brisbane Airport installed covers on aircraft sensors specifically because of this species.

Aphid

Tiny sap-sucking insects with extraordinary reproduction. Can reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis) and give birth to live young that are already pregnant, telescoping generations.

💡

Did You Know?

Aphids can telescope generations — a female can contain a developing daughter, who already has a developing granddaughter inside her, all without mating.