Ant-decapitating Fly vs Pine Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant-decapitating Fly | Pine Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudacteon tricuspis | Hylobius abietis |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Phoridae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol | Europe, Northern 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.
Pine Weevil
A dark brown weevil with patches of golden scales that is a major pest of young conifer plantations. Adults girdle the bark of seedlings, killing them.
Did You Know?
A single adult can kill multiple young conifer trees in one season by stripping rings of bark from their stems.