Yellow Swarming Fly vs Ant-decapitating Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow Swarming Fly | Ant-decapitating Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thaumatomyia notata | Pseudacteon tricuspis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chloropidae | Phoridae |
| Size | 2-2.5 mm | 1-2 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Yellow Swarming Fly
A tiny yellow fly famous for forming enormous hibernation aggregations in buildings, sometimes numbering millions. Larvae are predatory on root aphids in grassland.
Did You Know?
Can form hibernation clusters of millions in attic spaces, with individual aggregations weighing several kilograms.
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.