Yellow Swarming Fly vs Palpares Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow Swarming Fly Palpares Antlion
Scientific Name Thaumatomyia notata Palpares immensus
Order Diptera Neuroptera
Family Chloropidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 2-2.5 mm 100-140 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Southern Africa
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.

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Did You Know?

Can form hibernation clusters of millions in attic spaces, with individual aggregations weighing several kilograms.

Palpares Antlion

An enormous antlion from sub-Saharan Africa with strikingly patterned wings. Among the largest flying neuropterans on the continent.

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Did You Know?

Its wingspan can reach 14 cm, rivaling some small dragonflies in size.