Twisted-Wing Honeybee Parasite vs Planthopper Strepsipteran

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Twisted-Wing Honeybee Parasite Planthopper Strepsipteran
Scientific Name Stylops ovinae Halictophagus australensis
Order Strepsiptera Strepsiptera
Family Stylopidae Halictophagidae
Size 2-4 mm (males) 1.0-2.0 mm (males)
Habitat Underground Wetlands
Diet Parasites Parasites
Regions Europe Oceania
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.

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Did You Know?

Male Strepsiptera have the shortest adult lifespan of any insect, often living just 2-5 hours.

Planthopper Strepsipteran

An Australian strepsipteran parasite of delphacid planthoppers. It alters the host's reproductive development and morphology.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized planthoppers develop intersex characteristics, with males growing female-like features and vice versa.