Amazon Giant Centipede-Eating Ant vs Mydas Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Amazon Giant Centipede-Eating Ant | Mydas Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dinoponera quadriceps | Gauromydas heros |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Mydidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm | 40-60 mm body |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | South America (Brazil - northeastern states) | South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Amazon Giant Centipede-Eating Ant
A very large ponerine ant endemic to northeastern Brazil, reaching up to 30 mm. Colonies are queenless, with reproduction carried out by a dominant alpha worker. It is a solitary forager that hunts on the forest floor at night.
Did You Know?
Reproductive hierarchy is maintained through a chemical dominance system where the alpha worker marks subordinates with a specific pheromone.
Mydas Fly
The largest fly in the world at up to 60 mm long with a 100 mm wingspan. A wasp mimic with black body and orange-red markings. Larvae develop in ant nests.
Did You Know?
At 6 cm long with a 10 cm wingspan, this is the worlds largest fly — it mimics a spider wasp so convincingly that even entomologists can be fooled at first glance.