Lemon-tree Borer Parasite vs African Melon Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lemon-tree Borer Parasite African Melon Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Aulacophora africana
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Braconidae Chrysomelidae
Size 4-7 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Orchards Farmland
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central America, Africa Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Lemon-tree Borer Parasite

A parasitoid of fruit fly larvae that has been released worldwide for biological control of tephritid pests. Females locate host larvae concealed inside ripening fruit using their long ovipositors.

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Did You Know?

She can pierce through the rind of a mango or guava to deposit an egg directly onto a fruit fly maggot inside.

African Melon Leaf Beetle

A bright orange to yellowish-red beetle with a smooth, shiny surface that is a significant pest of cucurbit crops across sub-Saharan Africa. Both adults and larvae cause feeding damage.

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Did You Know?

Adults are attracted to cucurbitacins and can completely defoliate young cucumber and melon plants within days of crop emergence.