Ant-decapitating Fly vs Greater Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant-decapitating Fly | Greater Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudacteon tricuspis | Bombylius canescens |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Phoridae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Greater Bee Fly
A pale greyish bee fly with a long proboscis and clear wings. It parasitizes ground-nesting bees in arid Mediterranean habitats.
Did You Know?
It can hover motionless in the air for extended periods while probing flowers with its rigid proboscis.