Flat-footed Fly vs Hawaiian Big-headed Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flat-footed Fly Hawaiian Big-headed Ant
Scientific Name Lindneromyia dorsalis Pheidole megacephala
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Platypezidae Formicidae
Size 3-5 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Europe Hawaii, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Flat-footed Fly

A tiny fly that runs in circles on leaf surfaces during its courtship display.

💡

Did You Know?

Males perform rapid circular dances on sunlit leaves to attract mates.

Hawaiian Big-headed Ant

An invasive ant now widespread in Hawaii with a disproportionately large head in the soldier caste. It displaces native insects throughout the islands.

💡

Did You Know?

It is listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN.