Orange Spider Wasp vs Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orange Spider Wasp | Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cryptocheilus australis | Cotesia medicaginis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pompilidae | Braconidae |
| Size | 20-30 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Orange Spider Wasp
A striking orange and black spider wasp that hunts large ground-dwelling spiders across Australia. Its vivid colouration serves as a warning to predators of its powerful sting.
Did You Know?
Female spider wasps engage in elaborate prey-handling behaviours, sometimes caching spiders temporarily while they dig the final burrow.
Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite
A small braconid wasp that parasitizes alfalfa butterfly caterpillars in agricultural fields. Larvae spin white cocoons after emerging from the host.
Did You Know?
It can reduce alfalfa caterpillar populations by over 50% in some fields without any pesticide use.