Twisted-Wing Honeybee Parasite vs European Stylops
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Twisted-Wing Honeybee Parasite | European Stylops |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stylops ovinae | Stylops melittae |
| Order | Strepsiptera | Strepsiptera |
| Family | Stylopidae | Stylopidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm (males) | 2.0-4.0 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Twisted-Wing Honeybee Parasite
A tiny endoparasite of Andrena bees whose females are permanently embedded in the host's abdomen. Males live only a few hours as free-flying adults with twisted hind wings.
Did You Know?
Male Strepsiptera have the shortest adult lifespan of any insect, often living just 2-5 hours.
European Stylops
A twisted-wing parasite of mining bees in the genus Andrena. Males are free-flying while females remain permanently embedded in the host bee.
Did You Know?
The female never leaves her host bee and only her brood canal opening protrudes between the bee's abdominal segments.