Ant-decapitating Fly vs Window Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant-decapitating Fly | Window Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudacteon tricuspis | Scenopinus fenestralis |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Phoridae | Scenopinidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Indoors |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | South America, introduced to North America for biocontrol | Worldwide |
| 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.
Window Fly
A small shiny black fly often found on windowsills inside buildings. Its larvae are beneficial predators of carpet beetle and clothes moth larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite being found indoors, it is actually beneficial because its larvae eat destructive carpet beetles.