Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid vs Swede Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid | Swede Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microplitis demolitor | Contarinia nasturtii |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Braconidae | Cecidomyiidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Gall Makers |
| Regions | North America, South America, Australia | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Tobacco Caterpillar Braconid
A small endoparasitoid wasp that injects polydnavirus along with its eggs into caterpillar hosts. It is an important natural enemy of soybean looper and corn earworm.
Did You Know?
It injects a symbiotic virus along with its eggs that suppresses the caterpillar's immune system.
Swede Midge
A minute yellowish-brown gall midge that attacks brassica crops by distorting growing points. Its tiny larvae feed inside developing buds, causing characteristic twisted and swollen growth.
Did You Know?
It was first detected in North America in 2000 and has since become a major emerging pest of brassica crops.