Ant-decapitating Fly vs Gulf Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant-decapitating Fly | Gulf Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudacteon tricuspis | Dione vanillae |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Phoridae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 60-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol | North America, Central America, South America |
| 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.
Gulf Fritillary
Bright orange wings with black markings above and elongated silver spots below. Despite its name, it belongs to the passion-vine butterfly subfamily.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars are bright orange with black spines to warn predators of chemicals from passion vines.