Cylindrical Tachinid vs Wax Scale

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid Wax Scale
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Ceroplastes destructor
Order Diptera Hemiptera
Family Tachinidae Coccidae
Size 8-12 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Parasites Sap Feeders
Regions Europe Oceania, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cylindrical Tachinid

A slender, wasp-like parasitic fly with a narrow cylindrical abdomen. Parasitizes shieldbugs by laying eggs directly onto the host. Found in warm, flower-rich habitats.

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Did You Know?

Its wasp-like appearance is a remarkable case of mimicry in a group of true flies.

Wax Scale

A scale insect that covers itself with a thick waxy dome for protection.

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Did You Know?

Its waxy covering can be nearly a centimeter thick and perfectly dome-shaped.