Asian Velvet Ant vs Long-Necked Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Velvet Ant Long-Necked Antlion
Scientific Name Smicromyrme rufipes Palpares libelluloides
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Mutillidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 8-14 mm 100-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions South Asia, Southeast Asia Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Asian Velvet Ant

A small to medium velvet ant with reddish legs and black body found across southern Asia. It parasitizes various ground-nesting bees and wasps.

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Did You Know?

It produces a distinctive squeaking sound when handled by rubbing specialized structures on its abdomen together.

Long-Necked Antlion

One of the largest European antlions with a wingspan exceeding 100 mm and boldly patterned wings. Adults are strong fliers active during warm evenings.

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Did You Know?

This is the largest neuropteran in Europe, with a wingspan rivaling many dragonfly species.