Lemon-tree Borer Parasite vs African Velvet Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lemon-tree Borer Parasite African Velvet Ant
Scientific Name Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Dasylabris maura
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Mutillidae
Size 4-7 mm 12-20 mm
Habitat Orchards Beaches & Coastal
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central America, Africa North Africa, Southern Europe, Middle East
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 Velvet Ant

A large black and white velvet ant found across North Africa and the Mediterranean. Females are densely covered in silvery-white hair patches on a black body.

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Did You Know?

Its contrasting black and white pattern serves as a warning signal to predators about its extremely painful sting.