Sulawesi Honey Bee vs Aphytis Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sulawesi Honey Bee Aphytis Wasp
Scientific Name Apis nigrocincta Aphytis melinus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Apidae Aphelinidae
Size 10-13 mm 0.8-1.2 mm
Habitat Farmland Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Indonesia, Philippines Worldwide citrus-growing regions
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Sulawesi Honey Bee

A cavity-nesting honey bee endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands. It was only recognized as a distinct species in 2000 after genetic analysis.

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Did You Know?

It was long confused with Apis cerana until DNA studies confirmed it as a separate species.

Aphytis Wasp

A tiny golden-yellow parasitoid wasp that is the primary biocontrol agent of California red scale on citrus. It lays eggs beneath the scale cover where its larva feeds externally on the host.

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Did You Know?

California produces over one billion of these wasps per year for release in citrus orchards.