Ant-decapitating Fly vs European Wheat Stem Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant-decapitating Fly | European Wheat Stem Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudacteon tricuspis | Cephus pygmeus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Phoridae | Cephidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 8-10 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
European Wheat Stem Sawfly
A stem-boring sawfly pest of wheat and other cereals throughout Europe and western Asia. It has also established in parts of North America.
Did You Know?
Solid-stemmed wheat varieties were bred specifically to resist stem sawfly larval boring.