Sand Wasp Strepsipteran vs Halictid Bee Strepsipteran

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp Strepsipteran Halictid Bee Strepsipteran
Scientific Name Paraxenos lugubris Halictophagus silwoodensis
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Xenidae Halictophagidae
Size 2.5-4.0 mm (males) 1.0-1.5 mm (males)
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Meadows
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe, Africa Europe
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Halictid Bee Strepsipteran

A tiny strepsipteran parasite of leafhoppers described from Silwood Park in England. Males have the characteristic twisted hindwings of the order.

💡

Did You Know?

Strepsiptera means twisted wing, referring to the way the hindwings twist during flight like helicopter blades.