Fairyfly Wasp vs Black and Gold Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fairyfly Wasp | Black and Gold Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dicopomorpha echmepterygis | Dasymutilla nigripes |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Mymaridae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 0.139-0.240 mm | 10-16 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Central North America |
| 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.
Black and Gold Velvet Ant
A medium-sized velvet ant with golden-orange hair on the thorax contrasting with its black legs and abdomen. It is found across the central United States.
Did You Know?
Velvet ants can survive being stung by almost any predator due to their nearly impenetrable exoskeleton.