Netelia Ichneumon Wasp vs Ant-decapitating Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Netelia Ichneumon Wasp | Ant-decapitating Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Netelia melanura | Pseudacteon tricuspis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Ichneumonidae | Phoridae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 1-2 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Netelia Ichneumon Wasp
A large orange ichneumon wasp attracted to light at night. Parasitizes noctuid moth caterpillars. Has a distinctive compressed, blade-like abdomen.
Did You Know?
Regularly enters houses at night, attracted by lights, and can give a mild sting if handled.
Ant-decapitating Fly
A minute parasitoid fly that targets fire ants by injecting eggs into their bodies. The developing larva migrates to the ant's head, eventually causing it to fall off.
Did You Know?
The larva releases enzymes that dissolve the ant's head contents, and the head eventually falls off to serve as a pupation chamber.