Wandering Glider vs Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wandering Glider | Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pantala hymenaea | Cotesia medicaginis |
| Order | Odonata | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Braconidae |
| Size | 46-52mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Parasitoids |
| Regions | North America, South America, Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Wandering Glider
A medium-sized dragonfly with broad hindwings and a yellowish body. It spends almost its entire life on the wing, rarely perching. It breeds in temporary rain pools.
Did You Know?
It can develop from egg to adult in as little as 38 days, one of the fastest development times of any dragonfly.
Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite
A small braconid wasp that parasitizes alfalfa butterfly caterpillars in agricultural fields. Larvae spin white cocoons after emerging from the host.
Did You Know?
It can reduce alfalfa caterpillar populations by over 50% in some fields without any pesticide use.