Brunner's Stick Mantis vs Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brunner's Stick Mantis | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brunneria borealis | Xanthogramma pedissequum |
| Order | Mantodea | Diptera |
| Family | Coptopterygidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 6-8 cm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Root Feeders |
| Regions | United States | Europe |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Near Threatened |
Brunner's Stick Mantis
A slender stick-like mantis found in the southeastern United States. It is remarkable because only females are known and it reproduces by parthenogenesis.
Did You Know?
No male of this species has ever been found; all individuals are female clones.
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.