Carrion Parasitoid Wasp vs Common Pollen Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Carrion Parasitoid Wasp Common Pollen Beetle
Scientific Name Alysia manducator Brassicogethes aeneus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Braconidae Nitidulidae
Size 4-6 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Carrion Parasitoid Wasp

A small braconid wasp that parasitizes blowfly larvae in carrion. An important part of the decomposition ecosystem. Females locate buried fly larvae using chemical cues.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect fly larvae buried in carrion from a considerable distance using their sensitive antennae.

Common Pollen Beetle

A tiny iridescent green-black beetle that congregates in yellow flowers to feed on pollen. It is a major pest of oilseed rape crops.

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Did You Know?

On warm days they can be so numerous on yellow flowers that a single buttercup may contain a dozen individuals.