Soybean Aphid Parasite vs Steelblue Ichneumon

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Soybean Aphid Parasite Steelblue Ichneumon
Scientific Name Binodoxys communis Lissopimpla excelsa
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Ichneumonidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Farmland Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions East Asia, North America Australia, New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Soybean Aphid Parasite

A tiny Asian braconid wasp studied as a biocontrol candidate for the invasive soybean aphid in North America. It is highly specific to its aphid host.

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Did You Know?

It underwent years of rigorous safety testing before being approved for release against soybean aphids in North America.

Steelblue Ichneumon

A metallic blue-black ichneumon wasp native to Australia. It is an important parasitoid of pest caterpillars including the introduced cabbage moth.

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Did You Know?

It was deliberately introduced to New Zealand to help control pest moth populations in agriculture.