Leafhopper Strepsipteran vs Halictid Stylops

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Leafhopper Strepsipteran Halictid Stylops
Scientific Name Halictophagus calcaratus Stylops nassonowi
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Halictophagidae Stylopidae
Size 1.0-2.0 mm (males) 1.5-3.0 mm (males)
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions North America, Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Leafhopper Strepsipteran

A tiny strepsipteran that parasitizes leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae. The first-instar larvae are among the smallest known insects.

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Did You Know?

The first-instar triungulin larva is only about 0.2 mm long, making it one of the smallest free-living insects.

Halictid Stylops

A twisted-wing parasite that targets sweat bees in the family Halictidae. Parasitized bees show altered behavior and suppressed reproduction.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized bees are effectively castrated and their behavior changes so dramatically the phenomenon is called parasitic castration.