Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Vietnamese Stick Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Vietnamese Stick Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Medauroidea extradentata |
| Order | Diptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Syrphidae | Phasmatidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 80-120 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.
Vietnamese Stick Insect
A large, smooth-bodied stick insect commonly kept as a pet and used in school biology classes. It reproduces readily through parthenogenesis.
Did You Know?
Vietnamese stick insects frequently play dead when disturbed, dropping from their perch and lying completely motionless on the ground for extended periods.