Sheep Ked vs Braconid Mummy Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sheep Ked | Braconid Mummy Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melophagus ovinus | Aphidius matricariae |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Hippoboscidae | Braconidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Cosmopolitan - worldwide where sheep are raised | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sheep Ked
A completely wingless, tick-like blood-sucking fly that lives permanently in sheep wool. Its flattened body and strong claws allow it to cling firmly to wool fibers.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a ked or tick, it is actually a true fly that has completely lost its wings through evolution.
Braconid Mummy Wasp
A small parasitoid wasp specializing in green peach aphids and other crop pest aphids. It is commercially reared for biological pest control.
Did You Know?
Females can detect which aphids have already been parasitized and avoid wasting eggs on them.