Planthopper Strepsipteran vs Bee-fly Strepsipteran

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Planthopper Strepsipteran Bee-fly Strepsipteran
Scientific Name Halictophagus australensis Stylops ater
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Halictophagidae Stylopidae
Size 1.0-2.0 mm (males) 2.0-3.5 mm (males)
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Oceania Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Planthopper Strepsipteran

An Australian strepsipteran parasite of delphacid planthoppers. It alters the host's reproductive development and morphology.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized planthoppers develop intersex characteristics, with males growing female-like features and vice versa.

Bee-fly Strepsipteran

A dark-bodied strepsipteran that parasitizes Andrena mining bees in Europe. The triungulins actively seek out host bee larvae in nest cells.

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Did You Know?

Tiny first-instar larvae ride on flowers and grab onto visiting bees for transport back to the bee's nest.