Carrion Parasitoid Wasp vs Thief Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Carrion Parasitoid Wasp Thief Ant
Scientific Name Alysia manducator Solenopsis molesta
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Braconidae Formicidae
Size 4-6 mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Carrion Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Carrion Parasitoid Wasp

A small braconid wasp that parasitizes blowfly larvae in carrion. An important part of the decomposition ecosystem. Females locate buried fly larvae using chemical cues.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect fly larvae buried in carrion from a considerable distance using their sensitive antennae.

Thief Ant

One of the smallest ant species in North America, nesting near larger ant colonies to steal food and brood. Their tiny size allows them to enter other nests through passages too small for defenders.

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Did You Know?

They are so small they can live inside the walls of other ant nests for extended periods without being detected.