Thick-legged Flower Beetle vs Soybean Aphid Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thick-legged Flower Beetle Soybean Aphid Parasite
Scientific Name Oedemera nobilis Binodoxys communis
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Oedemeridae Braconidae
Size 8-12mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe East Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Thick-legged Flower Beetle

A metallic green beetle with splayed elytra that expose the wings. Males have distinctively swollen hind femora.

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Did You Know?

Despite being an important pollinator this beetle is often mistaken for a green fly due to its shiny metallic color.

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.