Fairyfly Wasp vs Australian Mantidfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fairyfly Wasp | Australian Mantidfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dicopomorpha echmepterygis | Campion australis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Mymaridae | Mantispidae |
| Size | 0.139-0.240 mm | 16-24 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasitoids |
| Regions | North America | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fairyfly Wasp
The smallest known insect in the world at just 0.139 mm in length. Males are blind, wingless, and smaller than some single-celled organisms.
Did You Know?
Males of this species are smaller than a paramecium — they are blind and wingless, existing solely to mate with sisters before they even leave the host egg.
Australian Mantidfly
An Australian mantidfly found in eucalyptus forests and dry woodland. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights at night.
Did You Know?
It is the most commonly recorded mantidfly species in southeastern Australian light-trap studies.