← Back to Directory
πŸͺ° Flies

Ant-decapitating Fly

Pseudacteon tricuspis

About

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.

πŸ’‘

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.