Pteromalus Pupal Wasp vs Green-head Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pteromalus Pupal Wasp Green-head Ant
Scientific Name Pteromalus puparum Rhytidoponera metallica
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pteromalidae Formicidae
Size 2-3 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Farmland Gardens
Diet Parasitoids Seed Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Pteromalus Pupal Wasp

A small metallic-green parasitoid that attacks butterfly and moth pupae, particularly those of cabbage whites. Multiple wasps develop within a single host pupa.

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Did You Know?

Up to 200 tiny wasps can emerge from a single cabbage white butterfly chrysalis.

Green-head Ant

A common Australian ant with an iridescent metallic green or purple sheen on its head and body. It is one of the most frequently encountered ants in Australian gardens and bushland.

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Did You Know?

Colonies are often queenless, with mated workers called gamergates taking over reproduction.