Large-legged Chalcid vs Tinkerbell Fairyfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large-legged Chalcid Tinkerbell Fairyfly
Scientific Name Chalcis myrifex Tinkerbella nana
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Chalcididae Mymaridae
Size 4-7 mm 0.25 mm
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Parasitoids Parasitoids
Regions North America Central America
Conservation Not Evaluated Data Deficient

Large-legged Chalcid

A parasitoid wasp with conspicuously thickened hind femora used to brace itself while ovipositing. It attacks the pupae of tachinid flies and various Lepidoptera.

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Did You Know?

Despite looking like it could jump powerfully, those thick hind legs are mainly used for gripping, not leaping.

Tinkerbell Fairyfly

One of the smallest insects ever described, named after Peter Pans Tinker Bell. Discovered in Costa Rica in 2013. Measures only 0.25 mm in length.

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Did You Know?

Named after the fairy Tinkerbell, this wasp is so tiny it can stand on the tip of a human hair — it was described in 2013 from specimens collected using specialized micro-traps.