Amazonian Giant Ant vs Common Moth Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Amazonian Giant Ant Common Moth Fly
Scientific Name Pachycondyla villosa Psychoda alternata
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Formicidae Psychodidae
Size 12-18 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Central America Cosmopolitan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Amazonian Giant Ant

A large, hairy black ponerine ant with a powerful sting and strong mandibles. It is a solitary ground forager that hunts a variety of small invertebrates.

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Did You Know?

Its sting is considered one of the most painful among Neotropical ants, second only to the bullet ant.

Common Moth Fly

A tiny grayish moth fly with broad, hairy wings giving it a distinctly moth-like appearance. Its wings are held flat over the body at rest, and it runs in short hops when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Moth flies are important components of sewage treatment trickling filter beds where their larvae help break down waste.