Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon vs Aphytis Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon | Aphytis Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megarhyssa atrata | Aphytis melinus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Aphelinidae |
| Size | 30-50 mm body, ovipositor up to 130 mm | 0.8-1.2 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Orchards |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | North America | Worldwide citrus-growing regions |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Long-tailed Giant Ichneumon
A large dark-bodied ichneumonid wasp found in eastern North America. Females bore through bark to parasitize pigeon tremex horntail larvae.
Did You Know?
Multiple females often congregate on the same dead tree, drilling simultaneously for hosts.
Aphytis Wasp
A tiny golden-yellow parasitoid wasp that is the primary biocontrol agent of California red scale on citrus. It lays eggs beneath the scale cover where its larva feeds externally on the host.
Did You Know?
California produces over one billion of these wasps per year for release in citrus orchards.