Ant-decapitating Fly vs Large Yellow-faced Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant-decapitating Fly | Large Yellow-faced Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudacteon tricuspis | Hylaeus signatus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Phoridae | Colletidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol | Europe |
| 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.
Large Yellow-faced Bee
One of the larger masked bees in Europe with prominent yellow face patches. It is a specialist on wild mignonette and reseda flowers.
Did You Know?
It depends on brownfield and wasteland habitats that are often viewed as ugly but actually support a rich bee diversity.