Wasp Nest Beetle vs Grain Pteromalid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wasp Nest Beetle | Grain Pteromalid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metoecus paradoxus | Anisopteromalus calandrae |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Ripiphoridae | Pteromalidae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Gardens |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Wasp Nest Beetle
A bizarre wedge-shaped beetle that develops as a parasitoid inside social wasp nests. Males have feathery antennae.
Did You Know?
One of the most unusual beetles in Europe, spending its entire larval development inside live wasp nests.
Grain Pteromalid
A tiny parasitoid of grain weevil and bruchid beetle larvae concealed inside stored cereal grains. It is widely used in biological control of stored-product pests.
Did You Know?
Females can detect beetle larvae hidden inside wheat kernels by drumming on the grain surface with their antennae.