Xyelid Sawfly vs Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Xyelid Sawfly Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid
Scientific Name Xyela julii Encarsia formosa
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Xyelidae Eulophidae
Size 3-5 mm 0.5-0.8 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Pollen Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Europe Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Xyelid Sawfly

A tiny, delicate sawfly with a characteristic elongated third antennal segment. It is one of the most primitive living Hymenoptera, with fossils dating back to the Triassic.

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Did You Know?

Xyelidae is the oldest extant family of Hymenoptera, with fossils known from over 200 million years ago.

Greenhouse Whitefly Parasitoid

The most widely used parasitoid wasp in greenhouse biological control worldwide. Parasitized whitefly nymphs turn black, making monitoring easy.

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Did You Know?

It reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis since males are extremely rare in commercial populations.