Neotropical Green Stink Bug vs Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Green Stink Bug Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid
Scientific Name Nezara viridula Anagyrus lopezi
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Pentatomidae Encyrtidae
Size 12-16 mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Seed Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Pantropical, abundant in South America Africa, South America (native)
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Neotropical Green Stink Bug

A bright green shield bug with a wide, flat body and triangular scutellum. It is one of the most destructive agricultural pests across tropical regions worldwide.

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Did You Know?

Males attract mates by vibrating their abdomens on plant surfaces, sending species-specific songs through the stem.

Cassava Mealybug Parasitoid

A tiny encyrtid wasp credited with saving Africa's cassava crop from devastating mealybug infestations. It was introduced from South America in the 1980s as a biological control agent.

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Did You Know?

Its release across Africa is considered one of the most successful biological control programs in history, saving millions from famine.