Sand Wasp Strepsipteran vs Halictid Stylops

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Wasp Strepsipteran Halictid Stylops
Scientific Name Paraxenos lugubris Stylops nassonowi
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Xenidae Stylopidae
Size 2.5-4.0 mm (males) 1.5-3.0 mm (males)
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe, Africa Europe, Asia
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.

Halictid Stylops

A twisted-wing parasite that targets sweat bees in the family Halictidae. Parasitized bees show altered behavior and suppressed reproduction.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized bees are effectively castrated and their behavior changes so dramatically the phenomenon is called parasitic castration.