Sand Wasp Strepsipteran vs Bee Stylops

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp Strepsipteran Bee Stylops
Scientific Name Paraxenos lugubris Stylops pacificus
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Xenidae Stylopidae
Size 2.5-4.0 mm (males) 2.0-3.5 mm (males)
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Farmland
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe, Africa North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Sand Wasp Strepsipteran

A strepsipteran parasite of sand wasps in the genus Bembix. It is found in sandy coastal areas where its host wasps nest.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized sand wasps often have visibly protruding strepsipteran puparia between their abdominal segments.

Bee Stylops

A strepsipteran parasite of Andrena bees in western North America. Males emerge as tiny winged adults that live for only a few hours.

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Did You Know?

Male strepsipterans have the shortest adult lifespan of any insect, often living less than five hours.